ISL 2025-26: Franchu, Jairo lead charge in Team of the Week for Matchweek 12

East Bengal FC lead the ISL 2025-26 points table

We are almost there, but not quite yet, as there are barely ten days of action remaining in the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season. While the relegation battle appears nearly settled, the title race is still wide open, and these final days are set to decide who lifts the trophy at the end of the campaign.

Odisha FC kicked off the matchweek with a 2-1 win over Sporting Club Delhi, while FC Goa earned a draw against Mohun Bagan SG in the absence of suspended head coach Manolo Marquez. In the third game of the week, Pep Munoz registered his first win as Bengaluru FC head coach as the Blues defeated Jamshedpur FC and effectively ended their title hopes.

Kerala Blasters FC then extended their unbeaten streak to five games and winning run to three games with an impressive 3-1 victory over Mohammedan SC. NorthEast United FC secured back-to-back wins for the first time this ISL season with a dominant 4-1 victory over Chennaiyin FC, while East Bengal missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table after being held to a goalless draw by Punjab FC.

In the final game of the week, Mohun Bagan SG dropped points yet again this game week as they played out a goalless draw against Inter Kashi.

Matchweek 12 delivered several twists in the title race, with Mohun Bagan SG missing a golden chance to move clear at the top after taking just two points from a possible six. As a result, East Bengal now leads the 2025-26 ISL standings on goal difference, with both Kolkata giants level on 22 points.

At the bottom end of the table, Mohammedan SC’s relegation now appears almost inevitable unless Chennaiyin FC suffer heavy defeats and Mohammedan manage big wins in their remaining matches.

Off the pitch, the drama continued as well, with Manolo Marquez serving a suspension against Mohun Bagan SG, while Antonio Lopez Habas resigned just a day before Inter Kashi’s clash against Mohun Bagan SG.

Here are 11 players who caught the eye and made it into our ISL 2025-26 Team of the Week for MW 12.

Formation (4-4-1-1)

GK: Prabhsukhan Gill

While many expected East Bengal to strengthen their grip at the top of the ISL table with a win over Punjab FC, they were fortunate to come away with a point thanks largely to Gill’s heroics in goal.

Although Punjab FC were wasteful with their opportunities in the opening half, the East Bengal goalkeeper was called into action repeatedly after the break. He produced two outstanding saves around the hour mark to deny Punjab FC from close range and keep the clean sheet intact.

LB: Subhasish Bose

Playing twice during this match week, the Mohun Bagan left back was outstanding in both matches, especially against FC Goa. He won all seven of his tackles against the likes of Rabeeh, while also making 9 recoveries and 2 clearances. Bose additionally won 8 of his 9 ground duels and contributed going forward by creating a few chances.

In the second match against Inter Kashi, although he featured only for the final half-hour, he still delivered dangerous crosses and made important recoveries and interceptions.

CB: Tom Aldred

Unlike Bose, Tom Aldred started both matches and was one of the biggest reasons Mohun Bagan SG conceded just once across 180 minutes.

Against FC Goa, Aldred registered 5 clearances and 2 blocks, many of them crucial last-ditch interventions to deny the Goan attackers. He was tested again on the counter against Inter Kashi and stood firm to help his side secure another clean sheet. Across both matches, he won all of his tackles, made 8 recoveries, and won 10 duels.

CB: Rahul Bheke

Up against the physical presence of Messi Bouli, Rahul Bheke initially struggled but gradually grew into the contest and played a vital role in Bengaluru FC’s clean sheet. Although he did not completely win the battle against Messi Bouli, he did just enough to prevent him from scoring.

The Bengaluru captain recorded 11 defensive actions, won 4 duels, and made 8 clearances, all from inside his own box. He also made key interceptions and recoveries to deny Owen Coyle’s side an equaliser.

RB: Nishu Kumar

Inter Kashi entered their clash against Mohun Bagan SG under difficult circumstances following Habas’ resignation and Abhijit Mondal stepping in. Many expected the Mariners to dominate the contest.

Instead, Inter Kashi’s defense stepped up and earned a valuable draw, with Nishu Kumar playing a major role at full-back against the likes of Robinho and Sahal Abdul Samad.

He made 3 clearances, 4 recoveries, won 6 duels, completed 2 tackles, and registered 2 interceptions in a spirited defensive display. He started on the right side of defense and ended up on the left side of defense. nevertheless, securing a clean sheet.

LM: Kevin Yoke

Among the players who have improved most under Ashley Westwood, Kevin Yoke stands out as one of the biggest success stories. Playing in a wing-back/winger role, Yoke was heavily involved in attack against Mohammedan SC.

He had a roller-coaster of a first half hour, hitting the woodwork, saw a header acrobatically saved by Padam Chhetri, and created several opportunities for his attackers.

Despite the missed chances, he finished the game with two assists. The first was a superb defense-splitting pass to set up Franchu, while the second was a perfectly weighted cross for Victor Bertomeu to head home.

CM: Lalrinfela

Making the jump from Mohammedan SC to Odisha FC ahead of the season, the former Aizawl FC midfielder is thriving under TG Purushothaman at Odisha FC. Against Sporting Club Delhi, Lalrinfela played a role in both goals. He provided the pre-assist for the opener, setting-up Sanathoi, whose cross was headed by Suhair.

He then scored a sensational long-range strike after an excellent first touch to set himself before blasting the ball into the bottom corner past Nora Fernandes.

CM: Mahitosh Roy

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mohammedan SC, it has been encouraging to see players like Mahitosh get opportunities to prove in ISL, and he has certainly made the most of it. The former East Bengal midfielder scored a stunning long-range goal against Kerala Blasters FC, his second of the season.

Striking from around 30-35 yards out, he caught both the Kerala defense and Arsh Anwar by surprise with his outstanding effort. He also contributed defensively with several tackles and interceptions while maintaining an impressive 89% passing accuracy.

RM: Ryan Williams

Ever since making his debut and scoring for the Indian national team, Ryan Williams has looked full of confidence in the ISL. Starting as a striker against a strong Jamshedpur FC defense, he once again delivered a strong performance, scoring the winner.

After seeing a few first-half attempts blocked, Ryan eventually broke through with a brilliant finish into the bottom corner. He controlled the ball excellently before placing his shot through Pratik’s legs and beyond Albino Gomes, despite Nikola and Sarthak as well trying to close down his angle.

CAM: Franchu

The ISL Player of the Month for April once again demonstrated why he earned the award with another excellent display against Mohammedan SC. He opened the scoring with a composed left-footed finish beyond an onrushing Padam Chhetri, who looked unbeatable till the opening goal.

Franchu linked up brilliantly with Victor Bertomeu and Kevin Yoke throughout the game and consistently created chances. He also provided the assist for Kerala’s third goal, beating four Mohammedan players with a brilliant touch before crossing to Sreekuttan, who scored his first ISL goal.

ST: Jairo Samperio

With Alaeddine Ajaraie out on loan, Juan Pedro Benali’s NorthEast United needed someone to step up in attack and score goals, and Jairo delivered with a brace against Chennaiyin FC. His first goal came from a superb run towards the near post to put Jithin’s cross beyond the reach of Nawaz.

For the second, he capitalized on a mistake from Mandar with a calm low finish. Jairo also created chances for his teammates and came close to a hat-trick, only for Dinliana to unfortunately turn the ball into his own net before he could apply the finishing touch.

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