The Matchweek 2 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season was dominated by the away sides who claimed three victories as compared to just one by the teams playing at home.

A total of 17 goals were scored as teams slowly begin to find their feet in the new season.

FC Goa started Matchweek 2 with a last-gasp victory over East Bengal FC at the Salt Lake stadium before defending champions Hyderabad FC got their first win of the new season as they won 3-0 at NorthEast United FC.

Chennaiyin FC who returned to play in front of their home fans after two years played out a 1-1 draw with rivals Bengaluru FC before Mumbai City FC celebrated their homecoming to the Mumbai Football Arena with a 2-0 win over Odisha FC.

The matchweek drew to a close with a thrilling contest between Kerala Blasters FC and ATK Mohun Bagan where the Mariners walked away with a 5-2 triumph in Kochi.

There were many notable performances in Matchweek 2 and these are the eleven players that make it to the Team of Matchweek 2 based on the ratings on the Hero ISL website.

Goalkeeper

Phurba Lachenpa (Mumbai City FC): 7.78

One of only two goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet in Matchweek 2, Phurba Lachenpa was instrumental in helping Mumbai City FC blank Odisha FC. He made three saves on the night and the one to deny former Islander Diego Mauricio at the near post was the pick of the lot.

Defenders

Mehtab Singh (Mumbai City FC), Defender: 6.9

Making his first appearance of the Hero ISL season, Mehtab SIngh served up a solid display at the heart of the Mumbai City FC defence. Playing in place of Mourtada Fall, Mehtab was assured with and without the ball at his feet, helping his team to their first win of the Hero ISL season.

Odei Onaindia (Hyderabad FC), Defender: 6.98

Having returned to Hyderabad FC this season, Onaindia played as if he had never left seamlessly holding the Hyderabad FC defence together as they eased to a 3-0 win over NorthEast United. After conceding three goals against Mumbai City FC, Onaindia upped his game and how.

Brendan Hamill (ATK Mohun Bagan), Defender: 7.03

ATK Mohun Bagan may have conceded two goals but a lot of credit has to be given to their defence to keep the scoring down to just two against a Kerala Blasters FC side full of attacking talent who were roared on by a packed house. Brendan Hamill was a leader at the back and organised the defence well against constant waves of attack from the Blasters.

Midfielders 

Ivan Kaliuzhnyi (Kerala Blasters FC), Midfield: 7.9

The Ukrainian makes the Team of the Matchweek for a second week running after once again getting on the scoresheet. Kerala Blasters FC may have suffered a heavy defeat, but Kaliuzhnyi was a threat for ATK Mohun Bagan all along with his physicality and athleticism.

Brandon Fernandes (FC Goa), Midfielder: 8.15

Brandon Fernandes seemed at his best against East Bengal FC as he was at the heart of most of FC Goa’s attack. After opening the scoring for the Gaurs in Kolkata, Fernandes caused problems for the East Bengal FC defence with his clever and sharp passes.

Edu Bedia (FC Goa), Midfielder: 9

Edu Bedia ran the show for FC Goa in midfield against East Bengal FC and never allowed the home side to get a foothold in the game. He connected FC Goa’s defence and attack seamlessly before scoring the winning goal with virtually the last kick of the match.

Halicharan Narzary (Hyderabad FC), Midfielder: 8.83

Halicharan Narzary has made a flying start to the season scoring in both matches for Hyderabad FC. He was one of their best players in Guwahati as they eased to a 3-0 win and was rightly awarded the Hero of the Match award.

Forwards

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC), Forward: 8.46

Last season’s golden boot winner, Bartholomew Ogbeche opened his account for the new season with a goal against NorthEast United FC. His early strike settled the nerves of the visitors who were then able to take control and cruise to a win. His centre-forward play was excellent as he was able to bring his teammates into the play on a consistent basis.

Cleiton Silva (East Bengal FC), Forward: 7.61

The Brazilian was involved in almost all the attacks that East Bengal FC launched and scored the penalty to get them back in the game. He grew as the game progressed and came close to finding a winning goal for East Bengal FC before FC Goa stole the points with a late winner.

Dimitrios Petratos (ATK Mohun Bagan). Forward: 10

The standout player of Matchweek 2, Petratos gets a perfect 10 for his hat-trick against Kerala Blasters FC that got ATK Mohun Bagan’s season up and running. The Australian announced his arrival in Hero ISL in style and caused all sorts of problems for the Kerala Blasters FC defence with his clever runs and lethal finishing.