The opening games of the season pose a unique challenge. Teams are unfamiliar with each other, and it marks a fresh start when players are still building their full fitness heading into the season. Both teams and players are under pressure to score first and gain an early advantage, which will set the tone for that result.

Throughout previous Indian Super League (ISL) seasons, we have been treated to plenty of thrilling matches at electrifying venues. From dominant victories to dramatic comebacks, each season has delivered a variety of memorable encounters. As the seasons progress, teams experience wins and losses, but the significance of the first goal remains, igniting excitement and anticipation.

With that being said, here’s a glimpse into the opening goals from the previous seasons.

ISL 2014: Fikru Teferra

On October 12, 2014, Fikru Teferra etched his name in ISL history by scoring the league's inaugural goal. The match, held at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium between ATK FC and Mumbai City FC, saw Teferra's decisive strike in the 27th minute. With a goal from outside the penalty area, assisted by Jofre Gonzalez, he lofted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. This goal not only marked ISL's debut goal but also guided ATK FC to a commanding 3-0 victory.

Teferra's impactful goal set the tone for his team's successful campaign. His contributions throughout the season were pivotal as the team from Kolkata went on to become the first ISL Cup champions. Teferra’s goal-scoring prowess was evident as he notched five goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances, cementing his role as a key player in his team's journey to victory.

ISL 2015: Helder Postiga

Postiga made a memorable ISL debut for ATK FC on October 3, 2015, against Chennaiyin FC in the season's opening match. Displaying his goal-scoring prowess from the outset, Postiga delivered a stellar performance, scoring two goals to help ATK FC secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. However, his promising start was marred by an injury sustained during the game, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Despite the setback of losing their marquee player, ATK FC managed to reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive season. Their campaign concluded with a defeat to eventual champions Chennaiyin FC in the knockout stages.

2016: Katsumi Yusa

Yusa made a significant impact for NorthEast United FC and the league in 2016 by scoring the first goal of the season against Kerala Blasters FC. The match, held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, saw Yusa propel the Highlanders to a 1-0 victory with a spectacular start.

Early in the game, NorthEast United FC dominated possession but struggled to breach Kerala Blasters' defence. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Nicolas Velez delivered a precise cross for Yusa, who marked his Hero ISL debut with a tap-in goal.

Despite his promising start, Yusa's goal against Kerala Blasters would prove to be his sole contribution for the season as NorthEast United FC finished fifth in the standings.

2017-18: Ferran Corominas

After two goalless draws in the opening matches, Chennaiyin FC hosted FC Goa in an engaging encounter that turned into a five-goal thriller with the away side taking home all three points. In the 25th minute of the match, Corominas scored his first league goal, which was also the first that season.

That goal sparked an incredible goal-scoring run for the Spaniard. Corominas had a stunning debut season with FC Goa during the 2017-18 ISL campaign, helping the side reach the semi-finals.

His remarkable tally of 18 goals in the 2017-18 ISL season earned Corominas the Golden Boot trophy. He quickly became a fan favourite due to his consistent ability to find the back of the net and his prolific goal-scoring form.

2018-19: Matej Poplatnik

On September 29, 2018, Poplatnik scored his first ISL goal in a match between Kerala Blasters FC and ATK FC. His goal in the 77th minute, which went in after a deflection, marked the season's opening goal. It proved pivotal as Kerala Blasters FC secured a 2-0 victory over ATK FC, their first win against them since 2014.

Poplatnik's influence was evident throughout the game, consistently threatening ATK FC's defence and contributing significantly to his team's attacking play.

Despite his impactful debut, Poplatnik struggled to maintain his goal-scoring form for the remainder of the season, netting four goals in 16 appearances. Unfortunately, Kerala Blasters FC endured a disappointing campaign, finishing second from bottom in the league standings.

2019-20: Carl McHugh

McHugh made a spectacular start for ATK FC in the opening game of the season by scoring a remarkable volley against Kerala Blasters FC. His goal not only gave the visitors the lead but also marked ATK FC's 100th goal in Hero ISL history.

Despite McHugh's impressive strike, Bartholomew Ogbeche scored twice to lead Kerala Blasters FC to a comeback victory. However, ATK FC rebounded strongly throughout the season, ultimately clinching their third ISL Cup title and their second under the guidance of head coach Antonio Habas.

2020-21: Roy Krishna

The 2020-21 ISL season marked a historic milestone as it was the first to be played within the Covid-19 bio-bubble and also the debut season for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the league. And it was Roy Krishna, one of the league's premier strikers, who etched his name in ISL history by scoring the first goal of the campaign.

His decisive goal came during their inaugural ISL game against Kerala Blasters FC, leading Mohun Bagan SG to a 1-0 victory. Krishna's stellar performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

The win set the stage for a remarkable season for the Mariners, who finished second in the league table. Despite tying on points with Mumbai City FC, they narrowly missed out on the Shield. Habas’ side progressed to the final but were defeated once again by Mumbai City FC in the ultimate showdown.

2021-22: Hugo Boumous

Boumous opened his account for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in spectacular fashion during the opening game of the 2021-22 season against Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, which was the first goal scored that season. His long-range strike in the third minute set the tone for a dominant performance by the Mariners, who secured a 4-2 victory in the ISL opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

Adding to his impressive debut, Boumous scored another goal in the 39th minute of the same game, completing a brace in his first appearance for the Kolkata side. Throughout the season, the playmaker showcased his talent, tallying five goals and as many assists in 17 games. His contributions were crucial in helping the Mariners reach the semi-finals.

2022-23: Adrian Luna

In the opening match of the 2022-23 season on October 7, 2022, Kerala Blasters FC hosted East Bengal FC, and it was their captain Luna who made a poignant impact. Luna scored his first goal of the season and expressed deep emotion by dedicating the goal to his late daughter, Julieta, pointing to the sky in tribute.

Luna's goal proved crucial as Kerala Blasters FC clinched a thrilling 3-1 victory. The match was further highlighted by substitute Ivan Kalyuzhnyi's late brace, which sealed a memorable win for the Blasters in front of their passionate supporters at home.

2023-24: Keziah Veendorp

In the opening game of the ISL 2023-24 season between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters, Keziah Veendorp scored an own goal, marking the first instance in ISL history where a player put the ball into his own net as the opening goal.

Veendorp inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net in the 52nd minute, giving Kerala Blasters FC the lead before Luna added another goal in the second half. Despite Bengaluru FC's late effort, with substitute Curtis Main scoring in the 90th minute, they couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss to Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi.

Related tags:

FC GoaKerala Blasters FCMohun Bagan Super Giant