Top 10 African players in ISL history

ISL has seen sensational players ply their trade in it from the African continent.

Africa produces sensational footballers and several players have played in the Indian Super League (ISL) over the years. The league, across its 10 years of existence has housed plenty of talented African individuals who went on to impress the fans with their dedication, ability and drive.

Individuals such as Ahmed Jahouh, Noah Sadaoui, and Mourtada Fall are still actively playing in India’s top division, delivering breathtaking performances one after another. Players from Africa have been crucial for their respective clubs in the history of the Indian Super League, helping them win multiple honors and earning the love of the fans in the process.

Looking back at the key contributions of African players in the Indian Super League, here are the top 10 players to feature in the competition: 

10. Dudu Omagbemi

Macpherlin Dudu Omagbemi of Nigeria played in the Indian Super League for FC Pune City, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC. The striker also featured for Indian clubs such as Sporting Club de Goa, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. In the ISL, he scored 12 goals in 32 appearances.

9. Sameehg Doutie

Sameehg Doutie of South Africa played for Jamshedpur FC and Atletico de Kolkata in the Indian Super League. The attacking winger also won the ISL Trophy with the Kolkata-based club in 2016. He scored five goals and provided 13 assists in 28 overall appearances.

8. Khassa Camara

Khassa Camara of Mauritania joined the Indian Super League in 2020 after signing for NorthEast United. In 2022, he moved to Hyderabad FC where he enjoyed success. The midfielder helped the Nizams secure the win in the ISL playoffs, the club’s first-ever in 2021-22. 

7. Modou Sougou

Modou Sougou played for Mumbai City FC from 2018 to 2020. The Senegalese forward was lethal in the final third, scored 15 goals and provided three assists across 37 appearances for the Islanders.

6. Kalu Uche

Kalu Uche joined the ISL in 2015 when he signed for now defunct FC Pune City. The Nigerian forward impressed the crowds with his prowess in front of goal. He also played for Delhi Dynamos and ATK during his time in Indian football. He left the Indian shores after accumulating 18 goals in 37 appearances.

5. Noah Sadaoui

Noah Sadaoui is part Moroccan and one of the finest African attacking players that the Indian Super League has seen. He has featured heavily for FC Goa since joining the side in 2022. The 30-year-old has scored 29 goals and provided 16 assists for the Gaurs in 56 total appearances. 

4. Mourtada Fall

Mourtada Fall’s impressive performances in defence have brought success wherever he has played. The Senegalese defender has represented FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and Odisha FC. The 36-year-old has won the ISL League Winner’s Shield on three occasions and the ISL Trophy once.

3. Daniel Chima Chukwu

Daniel Chima Chukwu is one of the many forwards from Africa who has impressed with their goalscoring abilities.

The 33-year-old is currently employed at Chennaiyin FC but he has played for Jamshedpur FC and SC East Bengal in Indian football too. In his time in the ISL, the Nigerian striker has accumulated 20 goals and four assists.

2. Ahmed Jahouh

Ahmed Jahouh hails from Morocco and has represented Indian Super League heavyweights such as FC Goa, Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC.

The 35-year-old has won the ISL Shield on three occasions, once with FC Goa (2020) and twice with Mumbai City FC (2021 and 2023). He also won the ISL Trophy by winning the playoffs with the Islanders in 2021.

1. Bartholomew Ogbeche

Bartholomew Ogbeche is perhaps the best foreign player to play in the Indian Super League. The Nigerian forward is currently the leading goalscorer in the history of the league competition with 61 goals in 89 appearances across four different clubs.

He won the ISL Shield once and the ISL Trophy twice, featuring for clubs such as NorthEast United, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Mumbai City FC.

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