ISL 2023-24: A look at last-minute winners
Let’s take a quick look at the 90th-minute goals that have been scored thus far in ISL 2023-24.
Scoring last-gasp winners with a never-say-die attitude not only brings out unparalleled bliss among the supporters but also helps to boost the team’s morale. It delivers heroic dignity and gleesome eulogizing to the goalscorer.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023–24 so far have offered some dramatic late winners. From stellar free kicks from the edge of the box to some splendid strikes, the league has been adorned with several comeback wins throughout the current season.
Let’s take a quick look at the 90th-minute goals that have been scored thus far in the ongoing campaign.
Cleiton Silva (East Bengal FC) vs Hyderabad FC: 92 minutes 38 seconds
It was East Bengal FC’s second home in ISL 2023–24, where the Red and Gold Brigade saw off Hyderabad FC courtesy of Cleiton Silva’s brace. It was all square till the 92nd minute of the game, where Hitesh Sharma and Silva’s goals kept the scoreline on level terms.
The Brazilian forward chose the big occasion to spark his sheer quality as his powerful, gorgeous strike found the top left corner, giving no chance to the opponent’s substituted goalkeeper, Anuj Kumar. Notably, Silva’s stoppage-time goal propelled Carles Cuadrat’s men to seal their first ISL victory this season.
Jay Gupta (FC Goa) vs Odisha FC: 95 minutes 17 seconds
When two attacking-minded teams like FC Goa and Odisha FC lock horns against each other, it has to be a cracking outing for sure, like the opening duel between these sides, which was played on October 7, 2023. Noah Sadaoui and Mourtada Fall both hit the net twice in this game, but the climax belonged to Jay Gupta, the speedy left full-back.
Gupta, who was previously rejected by the Kalinga Warriors on trial, elected the same opponent to score his first ISL goal in a very fashionable way. The defender, assisted by Victor Rodrigez, took a quick-clever turn inside the box and found the top far corner with his stunning left-footed precise strike, leaving Odisha FC's defense as a spectator that had handed Sergio Lobera’s team their first defeat of this season.
Ibson Melo (NorthEast United FC) vs Jamshedpur FC: 98 minutes 2 seconds
NorthEast United FC staged a brilliant comeback against Jamshedpur FC despite trailing throughout the entire 90 minutes. Daniel Chima Chukwu broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with his rebounded strike from the spot-kick, which led the Men of Steel to enjoy a slender 1-0 lead until the 93rd minute of the game.
The Highlanders generated numerous attacks throughout the second half but couldn’t change the scoreline. Ultimately, their persistence and resilience paid off in the 94th minute when Spanish defender Michel Zobaco leveled the scoreline. However, there was more drama to unfold as Brazilian forward Ibson Melo scored the winner from the penalty kick, allowing his side to complete an epic comeback win on their home turf.
Jeremy Manzorro (Jamshedpur FC) vs East Bengal FC: 96 minutes 22 seconds
French midfielder Jeremy Manzorro’s spectacular free-kick goal propelled Jamshedpur FC to edge past East Bengal FC by a 2-1 scoreline. Nandhakumar Sekar’s first-half goal gave the Red and Gold Brigade a narrow 1-0 lead just before the stroke of halftime, but Khalid Jamil’s men displayed their hyperconsciousness in the nerviest moments to turn the result in their favor.
Rei Tachikawa showed an instant impact for the Men of Steel just after coming off the bench and scoring the important equalizer. However, Manzorro’s phenomenal strike from the spot-kick in the dying seconds of the final half seized crucial three points for the hosts as the match was ended by a 2-1 scoreline.
Jordan Murray (Chennaiyin FC) vs Odisha FC: 93 minutes 44 seconds
This match witnessed a significant tactical battle between two highly-experienced head coaches, Owen Coyle and Sergio Lobera. Chennaiyin FC managed to seal a victory against in-form Odisha FC that put an end to the Kalinga Warriors’ 13-match unbeaten streak.
Coyle’s men had the upper hand from the beginning with Ankit Mukherjee’s early goal in the sixth minute of the game. Though the visitors made a comeback with Roy Krishna’s equaliser, it didn’t make any impact on the scoreline as the Aussie forward, Jordan Murray, headed home all three points for Chennaiyin FC as he directed Connor Shields’ corner for the winner.
Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan SG) vs Kerala Blasters FC: 96 minutes 26 seconds
It was a jaw-dropping outing in Kochi, where Mohun Bagan SG emerged victorious in a seven-goal thriller. Following the brace from each of the two lethal strikers, Armando Sadiku and Dimitrios Diamantakos, it was 2-2 until the 67th minute, but goals from Deepak Tangri and Jason Cummings guided the Mariners to wrap up the fixture on a positive note.
Cummings utilised the space behind Kerala Blasters FC’s highline defense line as he placed himself in a free position inside the box to receive Liston Colaco’s grounded cross from the left flank and beat Karanjit Singh at the near post to complete their remarkable triumph over the Yellow Army.
