FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC players dominate ISL 2022-23 Team of the Week for GW 5

The lineup also features some usual suspects.

The fifth gameweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 put up some interesting storylines. FC Goa fans returned to the Fatorda for the first time in 972 days, Vafa Hakhamaneshi's message in celebration, Sahal's brilliant brace, and a thriller between Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan. This week had it all!

12 goals were scored in total and three red cards were shown across the five games played this week. Hyderabad FC continue to remain at the top with 13 points from their first five games. FC Goa remain second with nine points and a game in hand over the Nizams. Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC, ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC fill out the other playoff spots.

Plenty of goals and action means plenty of players who shone brightly for their side. So let's look at the who makes Khel Now's Team of the Week (TOTW) from what was an entertaining week of ISL football.

Goalkeeper: Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem (FC Goa)

The young Indian keeper is coming of age with some stellar performances this season. His strong performance against Jamshedpur FC ensured that his side kept a clean-sheet.

Dheeraj made three saves, three clearances and two punches on the night. He also completed 81% of his passes to also contribute to playmaking from the back.

Right Back: Ajith Kumar (Chennaiyin FC)

Ajith was a key component of Chennaiyin FC's 1-0 win away to East Bengal. The wing-back covered ground like no other and was solid at both ends of the pitch. The 25-year-old completed 69% of his passes, put in four crosses and created one chance. Defensively, he won one tackle, made two interceptions and blocked a shot to help his side keep their first clean-sheet of the season.

Centre Back: Anwar Ali (FC Goa)

Anwar Ali continues to impress with FC Goa. The centre-back was important in FC Goa's thumping win over Jamshedpur FC with his sturdy defending and intelligent buildup from the back. Anwar completed 87% of his passes and created one chance. Defensively, he made a whopping seven clearances, one interception and also blocked one shot.

Centre Back: Vafa Hakhamaneshi (Chennaiyin FC)

The Iranian was an inspirational presence at the back for Chennaiyin FC. Vafa completed 88% of his passes and had 75 touches, the highest among any CFC defender on the night. Defensively, he made two clearances and one interception. Most importantly, he scored the winner for Chennaiyin FC with a clinical header from a corner.

Left Back: Aakash Sangwan (Chennaiyin FC)

The wing-back replaced the injured Narayan Das in the 24th minute for Chennaiyin FC. From then till the end of the game, Aakash Sangwan sparkled for the Marina Machans. The 27-year-old made the left flank his own by dominating both the attacking and the defensive end. On the ball, Sangwan completed 78% of his passes, had 65 touches and created a game-high four chances. He also put in three crosses.

He assisted the winner by Vafa Hakhamaneshi from the corner in the 70th minute. Defensively, Aakash made one interception and won one tackle respectively.

Defensive Midfielder: Ahmed Jahouh (Mumbai City FC)

The Moroccan once again proved why he is considered among the top players in the league. Jahouh put in an all-round performance against ATK Mohun Bagan. The midfielder created six chances against the Mariners and put in five crosses. He also completed 78% of his passes.

Defensively, Jahouh won three tackles and made one clearance and interception respectively. He also blocked one shot.

Centre Midfielder: Joni Kauko (ATK Mohun Bagan)

ATK Mohun Bagan needed someone in midfield to replicate Jahouh's output for Mumbai City FC. They got it from Finnish wizard Joni Kauko. The Finland player contributed at both ends and showed tremendous work rate for Juan Ferrando's men.

Kauko scored the equalizer for the first goal (later cancelled out by Griffiths). He attempted four shots in total and completed 79% of his passes. Kauko won two tackles and made one interception. He also had one clearance and one blocked shot to his name.

Right Winger: Sahal Abdul Samad (Kerala Blasters)

The golden boy of Kerala sparkled for the Men in Yellow against a hapless NorthEast United. Sahal came on as a substitute post the hour mark. He left the Highlanders in a daze with his quick movement and dribbling.

Sahal scored a brace to puncture any hopes of a comeback for the Highlanders. He also created one chance and completed 64% of his 11 attempted passes. Sahal also won the only tackle he attempted in the game.

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Attacking Midfielder: Brandon Fernandes (FC Goa)

The FC Goa skipper led his team from the front in their 3-0 win against Jamshedpur FC. Brandon put in an all-round performance. His tally included one assist, 85% pass completion, 55 touches, four crosses, one shot on target, two tackles won (100% success), one interception and one shot blocked.

Left Winger: Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City)

Chhangte scored the opener in the pulsating game against ATK Mohun Bagan. The winger caused problems with his pace and dribbling. He attempted five crosses in the game and completed 83% of his passes.

Striker: Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

The Spaniard showed his quality against Jamshedpur FC and scored the opener in the second minute. He put both of his attempted shots on target (including the goal) and completed 79% of his passes. He also made one interception on the night. Iker's overall work on and off the ball helped FC Goa pin Jamshedpur FC back in their own box and dominate proceedings.