Top five players with most assists in a single ISL game

Mohun Bagan’s Joni Kauko is the most recent addition to this five-man list.

Over the years, quite a few playmakers have played for different clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL). Goals are a big part of any football match as you can only win if you put the ball in the opposition’s net. While the goalscorers are glorified, the assist providers are forgotten in most cases.

Here we take a look at the top five players with the most assists registered in a single ISL game in history:

Joni Kauko (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) vs Northeast United – ISL 2023-24 (3 assists)

Mohun Bagan Super Giant locked horns against Northeast United at the VYBK Stadium at a crucial juncture in the 2023-24 ISL season. Finnish midfielder Joni Kauko delivered an unforgettable performance on the night, with three assists. 

Kauko helped Liston Colaco, Jason Cummings, and Sahal Abdul Samad get on the scoresheet as Mohun Bagan beat the Highlanders 4-2 on the night. This win turned out to be crucial for the Mariners as they ended up winning the Indian Super League Shield at the end of the season.

Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal) vs Jamshedpur FC – ISL 2022-23 (3 assists)

The only Indian on this list, Naorem Mahesh Singh made history in the 2022-23 Indian Super League season. Playing for East Bengal, Mahesh assisted all three goals for his teammates as the Red & Gold Brigade beat Jamshedpur FC 3-1 on the night at the JRD Tata Stadium. 

Mahesh assisted Suhair’s goal in the 2nd minute and further helped his team by assisting both the goals for Cleiton Silva. Overall, the winger ended his 2022-23 season with two goals and seven assists in 19 Indian Super League games. 

ALSO READ: Most goals scored by a single player against a single club in ISL history

Matias Defederico (Mumbai City) vs Kerala Blasters – ISL 2016 (3 assists)

The Argentine donned the colours of Mumbai City FC in the 2016 Indian Super League season. Matias Defederico had a good season overall, scoring three goals and providing three assists for his teammates as Mumbai City FC finished the league stage at the top of the league table. 

Defederico’s best game arguably came against the Kerala Blasters as he delivered three assists, playing in Mumbai. Diego Forlan shared the headlines from the game as his hattrick ensured that the Islanders beat the Kerala Blasters 5-0 on the night. 

Leo Moura (FC Goa) vs Mumbai City – ISL 2015 (3 assists)

Leo Moura set ablaze the 2015 Indian Super League season as he provided a total of 8 assists for his FC Goa teammates in their campaign that ended in heartbreak in the final. The Brazilian’s best display came against Goa’s West Coast rivals Mumbai City FC as he provided three assists. 

While Moura delivered three assists, the match is also known for the hat-trick of Thongkhosiem Haokip and Dudu Omagbemi as the Gaurs beat the Islanders 7-0 at the Fatorda Stadium that night. 

Nicky Shorey (Pune City) vs Kerala Blasters – ISL 2015 (3 assists)

The former England international laced up his boots for FC Pune City in the 2015 Indian Super League season. Nicky Shorey played all 14 Indian Super League games that season for the Stallions, however, his best performance came against the Kerala Blasters as the Englishman delivered three assists. 

Shorey’s key passes to Kalu Uche and Tuncay Sanli helped the Stallions get an important 3-2 win over the Blasters at home. Pune City, though, had a season to forget as they finished seventh that season with 15 points in 14 games.

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