Sunil Chhetri Shines Again in ISL; Hnamte Emerges as Star
In this week’s ISL roundup, Sunil Chhetri continues to impress at 42, while Lalrinliana Hnamte emerges as a bright talent for SC Delhi. Exciting match results unfold.

Exciting Matchday in ISL
The Indian Super League (ISL) is back with a bang for the 2026/27 season, showcasing thrilling matches and remarkable player performances. The latest action featured a notable appearance from the veteran Sunil Chhetri, who continues to impress despite being 42 years of age, alongside emerging talent like Lalrinliana Hnamte, who is quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Indian football.
Sunil Chhetri's Continued Excellence
Sunil Chhetri, the iconic forward for Bengaluru FC, has not abandoned his passion for football. Although he is no longer an automatic starter, Chhetri demonstrated his enduring talent during the recent match against Chennaiyin FC. Coming on in the 70th minute with Bengaluru leading 2-0, Chhetri nearly scored a sensational long-range goal in the 89th minute. He received the ball near the center of the field and unleashed a trademark shot with his left foot. However, Chennaiyin FC's goalkeeper, Mohammad Nawaz, proved to be up to the task, parrying the attempt away to safety. Chhetri's presence on the pitch was a reminder to fans of his years of skill and charisma.
Lalrinliana Hnamte's Rising Stardom
On the other end of the experience spectrum is 23-year-old Lalrinliana Hnamte, who continues to impress. In SC Delhi's recent match against Mohun Bagan SG, Hnamte scored a stunning early goal, showcasing his exceptional ball control and finishing ability. His performance has drawn praise from SC Delhi's coach, Tomas Tchorz, who highlighted Hnamte’s attributes as a box-to-box midfielder. He noted that Hnamte consistently covers significant ground during matches, often reaching sprinting speeds and contributing across both defense and attack. Coach Tchorz labeled Hnamte a crucial player for any team, stating, “He is always crucial for any team he plays for.”
Key Matches of the Week
This week’s fixtures produced several exciting encounters, showcasing plenty of drama and determination from every side in the league. Highlights from the matches include:
- Punjab FC 1-1 Mumbai City FC: Gurkirat Singh ended his goal drought with a crucial header in the 90th minute, salvaging a point for Punjab FC.
- SC Delhi 1-2 Mohun Bagan SG: Despite Hnamte’s earlier impressive goal, Delhi fell short against Mohun Bagan.
- Bengaluru FC 2-0 Chennaiyin FC: Bengaluru FC demonstrated their strong form early in the season with a comfortable win.
- East Bengal 4-0 Churchill Brothers: East Bengal made a powerful statement with a commanding victory in their first ISL match.
- NorthEast United 4-1 Kerala Blasters: NorthEast United dominated, with Moroccan Alaaeddine Ajaraie heavily involved in the scoring with two goals.
- Inter Kashi 1-1 Odisha FC: A tightly contested match that resulted in a draw.
Player Performances
| Player | Team | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Sunil Chhetri | Bengaluru FC | Substituted on; nearly scored from distance against Chennaiyin FC. |
| Lalrinliana Hnamte | SC Delhi | Scored a brilliant goal and provided an assist in previous match. |
| Gurkirat Singh | Punjab FC | Headed equalizer against Mumbai City FC in stoppage time. |
| Alaaeddine Ajaraie | NorthEast United | Scored two goals in a dominating win over Kerala Blasters. |
| Dani Ramirez | East Bengal | Opened scoring with a stunning free kick on debut. |

Upcoming Fixtures
With momentum building, the ISL continues to attract attention as teams look to establish their dominance early in the season. Fans can expect more thrillers as the league progresses. Upcoming notable matches include:
- SC Delhi vs. Inter Kashi – Looking to secure their first win of the season.
- Bengaluru FC vs. Punjab FC – A matchup of two teams looking to build their momentum.
- Chennaiyin FC vs. NorthEast United – Expect excitement as both teams aim to correct their course.
- East Bengal vs. Mumbai City FC – An encounter of two strong squads vying for top positions.
Key Takeaways
- Sunil Chhetri continues to showcase his talent despite being 42 years old.
- Lalrinliana Hnamte is emerging as a crucial player for SC Delhi and Indian football.
- Punjab FC salvaged a point with a last-minute equalizer against Mumbai City FC.
- East Bengal marked an impressive start with a dominant victory over Churchill Brothers.
- NorthEast United's Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice in their resounding win against Kerala Blasters.
Looking Ahead
As the season unfolds, the ISL promises plenty of action and excitement. Players like Chhetri and Hnamte position themselves as critical figures in the league, highlighting the blend of experience and youth that characterizes Indian football today. It will be intriguing to see how these storylines develop as teams vie for supremacy in the matches ahead.
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