ISL 2025-26: SC Delhi season review

A season of courage, learning and new beginnings

SC Delhi experienced the highs and lows as expected in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season. There were moments when SC Delhi competed admirably against league leaders, displaying attacking intent and a desire to play a good brand of football.

However, dropping points from winning positions, defensive errors, and inconsistency in front of goal proved costly throughout the campaign. 

Despite finishing in the lower half of the standings, SC Delhi showed enough promise to suggest that they have the potential to challenge in the upcoming year. 

SC Delhi’s performance in ISL 2025-26

Top performers

Alex Saji

Alex Saji stood up as the defensive bedrock of the team, showing his experience and discipline with his performance.  The leader at the back, Saji, organised SC Delhi’s defense line with crucial interceptions, crunch tackles, and the ability to win aerial duels. 

Matija Babovic 

In a season where goals were hard to come by for the capital side, the Serbian forward provided moments of genuine quality.

Babovic scored five goals and added an assist to his name in his 11 ISL appearances. His work rate, on- and off-the-ball movements, and positioning inside the opposition box gave SC Delhi a focal point in attack.

Underperformer of the Season

Osumane Fane

While youngsters put on fighting performances to impress the SC Delhi head coach, veteran midfielder Osumane Fane struggled to dictate the tempo of the game.

Fane, who was expected to act as the screen for the defence and the epicenter of attacking transitions, was often overrun by opponents’ midfielders. The lack of creative distribution from the centre left the forward line isolated and placed a defensive burden on the back four.

Read more: ISL 2025-26: Inter Kashi FC season review

Top performances of the season

• SC Delhi 3-0 North East United FC
• SC Delhi 2-0 Kerala Blasters

Managerial report card

Taking over a club in a transition period is one of the hardest tasks for a head coach, and Tomasz Tchorz handled the pressure with efficiency.

He maximized a limited roster by setting up a low-block system. His conservative approach may have drawn criticism, but his emphasis on youth development has laid a strong foundation for the future of the club. 

Lessons learned from the season

SC Delhi, a side that was seen banking on transition play, needs to fit a traditional no. 10 for seamless interchange, helping to unlock low blocks. 

Tchorz’s men dropped points in the final quarter of the game, indicating a lack of concentration and experience to protect the lead and ensure all three points. 

Fan’s view

The ISL action finally returned to the capital of India after years. SC Delhi supporters enjoyed every emotion during the club’s inaugural ISL season.

Most fans understand that building a successful team takes time. With Tchorz at the helm and the breakout stars in the form of Mohammed Aimen and Mohammed Azhar, SC Delhi fans could expect a better performance in the coming season. 

What’s next for SC Delhi?

The first season provides lessons, and subsequent seasons urge demands. SC Delhi must use the experience gained in this season to strengthen their squad and come up with a more balanced side. 

The club should be proactive during the summer transfer window with new signings, but retaining the core players who embraced the recent campaign would be equally important. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.