The first Matchweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is done and dusted, showcasing impressive performances from debutants and experienced league players alike. 

his season’s revamped points scoring system saw midfielders and defenders outshine forwards, with FC Goa’s new signing Armando Sadiku and Punjab FC’s Luka Majcen leading the forwards category with seven points each. 

Manager ME Nafees emerged as the top scorer of the Matchweek, amassing an impressive 82 points using a 5-2-3 formation.

Here’s a closer look at the players who contributed to his success.

Roy Krishna
Krishna was benched in their opening defeat to Chennaiyin FC. He replaced Diego Mauricio in the second half and struggled to find the back of the net before scoring a goal in injury time, which helped him earn five points.

Nikolaos Karelis
Despite having a quiet game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Mumbai City FC forward racked up five points thanks to his three points for assisting Tiri’s goal before being substituted for Thaer Krouma, who came on and scored the winner.

Hugo Boumous
A bold captaincy choice, Boumous helped Nafees accumulate 20 points after shining on his debut for Odisha FC. The midfielder provided two assists and also earned two points for completing 33 passes against Chennaiyin FC, allowing him to record double-digit figures in ISL Fantasy.

Freddy Lallawmawma
Lallawmawma was crucial in helping Kerala Blasters FC stave off attacks from Punjab FC for the majority of the game and was substituted before the visitors scored two goals to secure a win. Despite picking up a yellow card, he earned one point each for keeping a clean sheet after spending 71 minutes on the pitch and for interceptions won. The youngster also completed more than 33 passes, which earned him additional points.

Farukh Choudhary
Choudhary earned the most points in Matchweek 1. The midfielder netted a brace that inspired Chennaiyin FC to a memorable comeback win over Odisha FC. He was substituted in the 88th minute, but by then, his team had already taken firm control of the game despite conceding in injury time.

Tiri
The Spaniard racked up the joint-most points in Matchweek 1 among defenders. Despite conceding two goals and scoring an own goal, he earned points handsomely. Tiri scored Mumbai City FC’s opening goal, which earned him six points, and added three points for his 46 completed passes, making amends for the points deducted.

Alberto Rodriguez
The joint-top scoring defender in Matchweek 1, Rodriguez had a debut to remember for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL. He scored a goal, and despite his team conceding two goals against Mumbai City FC in the second half, the Spaniard was instrumental for their defence, proving crucial at both ends of the pitch.

Alexander Coeff
Listed as a defender, Coeff started in midfield and formed a good partnership with Freddy in the middle of the park. Despite the result not going in his team’s favour and conceding two late goals, the debutant earned two points each for his completed passes and interceptions.

Aakash Sangwan
Sangwan made his ISL debut for FC Goa in their defeat to Jamshedpur FC and was substituted before Jordan Murray scored a late winner. He earned three points, including a point for completing over 15 passes.

Aleksandar Jovanovic

Owned by less than 10 percent of ISL Fantasy managers, Jovanovic’s presence was crucial in Bengaluru FC’s defense as they secured a hard-fought win over East Bengal FC. The Australian earned seven points, largely due to his clean sheet.

Sachin Suresh
Kerala Blasters FC goalkeeper Suresh couldn’t avoid the late goals against Punjab FC, which cost his side the match and a point in ISL Fantasy. However, despite making just one save in the game, he completed more than 15 passes and earned a point for that.

Related tags:

2024-2025 Aleksandar JovanovicAakash SangwanRoy KrishnaFarukh ChoudharyTiriSACHIN A SURESHHugo Boumous