ISL 2025-26: Nawaz, Effiong lead charge in Team of the Week for Matchweek 9

Mohun Bagan SG reclaims top of the table spot after MW-9 in ISL 2025-26 table.

As the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season approaches its business end, each passing match and match week is a critical game for the clubs fighting for their league objectives.

While clubs like Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City compete for the championship, a few clubs at the bottom are doing their best to establish themselves in the mid-table and avoid relegation.

The match week began with an entertaining 3-3 draw between Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC at Salt Lake Stadium, with plenty of drama surrounding Miguel’s red card. Following that, Chennaiyin FC won their first home match of the season against Sporting Club Delhi at the Marina Arena.

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Mohammedan SC earned their first point of the season against Odisha FC, while Kerala Blasters easily defeated Jamshedpur FC in Kochi to register their first home win of the season. FC Goa defeated Mumbai City 2-0 at the Fatorda in the fifth game of the season to break the team’s unbeaten start.

Mohun Bagan SG recorded their first away win of the season against NorthEast United FC on a rainy evening in Guwahati, a game in which Juan Pedro Benali was sent off for misconduct with the officials for playing the game on a rainy waterlogged pitch, putting both sides’ players at risk of serious injury.

Mohammedan SC’s outstanding achievements continued with another draw against Chennaiyin FC at the Marina Arena in the last game of the match week.

With Mumbai’s loss and Mohun Bagan SG’s triumph, the Mariners have reclaimed the top spot in the 2025-26 ISL standings, one point ahead of the Islanders. While FC Goa is gradually regaining ground in the title race, Mohammedan SC has some hope of avoiding relegation after drawing two consecutive games following a terrible start to the season with seven straight losses.

Here are 11 players that grabbed our interest and made it into our ISL 2025-26 squad of the week for MW 9.

Formation (4-4-1-1)

GK: Mohammad Nawaz

Chennaiyin FC played two games in this match week and earned four points (a win and a draw), they were defensively strong, keeping two consecutive clean sheets.

While Nawaz had nothing to do in the first game against SC Delhi, he was called into action on a few occasions during the second game.

Barring the few routine saves he made, his superb reflexive stop against Hira Mondal kept Chennaiyin FC in the game and helped the team get a point.

LB: Hira Mondal

Hira Mondal, formerly considered as one of the league’s best full backs, is steadily regaining form and returning to his peak with Mohammedan SC under head coach Wadoo.

Hira played an important role in both games, keeping dangerous wingers Isak and Irfan quiet throughout. Moving forward, he created many opportunities with his overlapping runs and provided an assist for Adison’s goal against Odisha FC.

CB: Fallou Ndiaye

While the Kerala Blasters defense has improved dramatically since Fallou’s arrival, they have struggled to keep clean sheets this ISL season.

However, against Jamshedpur, they kept their first clean sheet of the season, and the towering defender was on top of his game, winning six duels and six clearances.

He also made a few key interceptions and blocks to keep Messi Bouli silent.

CB: Mehtab Singh

On a rainy night in Guwahati, where the players’ well-being was more crucial than the outcome of the game, Mehtab stood tall in the Mohun Bagan SG defense in the absence of Alberto Rodriguez.

The defender made seven key clearances and won all of his ground duels. He even produced a fantastic goal-line clearance to ensure the Marienrs kept a clean sheet and took all three points home, giving his side a boost in the title race.

RB: Abhishek Singh

Abhishek has again stood up in the Mohun Bagan SG defense with impressive performances at right back. He won virtually all of his ground duels and tackles while preventing dangerous crosses from the sides into the box.

He also made seven critical recoveries and four crucial clearances, and he refused to let opposing wingers dribble past him regardless of the field conditions.

CM: Sahil Tavora

Coming up against Mumbai City’s powerful midfield, which included Kauko and Brandon Fernandes, Sahil Tavora was required to stand up and deliver to guarantee a victory for the Gaurs, which he accomplished.

He did the dirty work in the center of the field, winning key duels, tackles, and interceptions while still contributing to the offense. He opened the goalscoring for the Gaurs with a fantastic right-footed shot from a set piece.

CM: Dani Ramirez

Another week of ISL, another team of the week, and Dani Ramirez makes the cut thanks to his impressive work. The Inter Kashi midfield had no answer for Ramirez, who was once again on outstanding shape.

He set up Effiong’s goal and was continuously challenging the opposing defense with line-breaking passes. He created four chances in the attack, including a few threatening crosses from set pieces.

All while gripping the ball like a magnet in the center of the park.

LM: Kevin Yoke

While the Kerala Blasters winger’s goal and assist numbers were not particularly remarkable against Jamshedpur FC, he was on top of his game when it came to creating dangerous opportunities from the left flank.

He completed all of his dribbles successfully and created a couple of decent attacking openings. He was extremely engaged defensively, winning 8 ground duels and making five recoveries while advancing the ball forward every time he recovered or won the ball.

CAM: Nemil

It was disappointing that Nemil, who was once considered as one of the best midfielders in the country and made his ISL debut five years ago, had to wait this long to score his first goal.

While it took some time for the first goal to arrive, Nemil made his mark with a powerful shot from long range with his lovely left foot.

He also had a few additional scoring chances against the Islanders. One would hope Nemil continues to excel and prove the potential he once possessed. 

RM: Ryan Williams

While Ryan Williams struggled to find his form in the ISL this season, his performance against East Bengal FC reminded us of the old Ryan we had seen in prior seasons.

Ryan was vital in Suresh’s second goal, as Gill’s stop from Ryan’s cross landed right to Suresh, who pushed the ball into the net.

He almost won the game when he scored the third goal from a very tight angle to give them the lead, but they were unable to hold on to their advantage and take all three points.

ST: Effiong Nsungusi

It is still mysterious how Punjab FC scout international players, as they have been remarkable with the set of foreigners they have in their squad. And such has been the case with Effiong Nsungusi, the Nigerian striker who has been on fire this season.

He assisted on the first goal against Punjab FC and scored the second, finishing off Dani Ramirez’s pass. He also created many opportunities in the first half with his excellent movement inside the box.

With this goal and assist, Nsungusi now has nine goal contributions in seven ISL games this season.

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