(Credit- Mumbai Mirror)
These are the quickest goals this season!
The 2023–24 Indian Super League (ISL) season was packed with entertainment, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Alongside highly competitive matches and a plethora of goals, the campaign featured numerous early goals that left fans breathless. Early goals are rare in football due to the cautious nature of teams at the start of a match. Both sides typically begin with a safe approach. Scoring in the first few minutes can significantly influence the game's outcome, allowing the scoring team to dominate and gain control, though it also offers the opposition a chance to equalize. In the past ISL season, several instances of early goals were observed. Focusing on the recently concluded season, here is a look at the top five fastest goals in ISL 2023–24:
East Bengal's P.V. Vishnu provided a fantastic start in their Indian Super League match against Odisha FC, scoring just 32 seconds into the game. This remarkable goal not only marked his first in the ISL but also became the fastest goal of the 2023–24 league campaign. However, despite this early lead, the Kerala-born winger's efforts couldn't secure a victory for the Red and Gold, as they ultimately lost the game 2-1.
Chennaiyin FC’s Rahim Ali delighted home supporters by scoring within 54 seconds against the Kerala Blasters, giving his side an early advantage. This swift goal set the tone for an exhilarating match. Despite Ali's early strike, the game turned into a thrilling roller-coaster, with both teams battling fiercely. The Indian striker's efforts helped the Marina Machans gain the upper hand initially, but the contest ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. Fans were treated to an unforgettable match, filled with memorable moments and intense action, reflecting the unpredictable and exciting nature of the Indian Super League. This match exemplified the high entertainment value of the 2023–24 ISL season.
Hyderabad FC faced a challenging 2023–24 Indian Super League season, plagued by financial issues that led to the departure of key domestic and foreign players midway through the campaign. Their troubles were compounded in a fixture against Jamshedpur FC, where Daniel Chima Chukwu scored just 1 minute and 22 seconds into the match. Ultimately, the game ended in a disappointing 5-0 defeat for Hyderabad, solidifying a tough season for the club.
Bengaluru FC's young midfielder Shivaldo Singh provided a fantastic start in their match against FC Goa by scoring just two minutes into the game. His early goal energised the team and gave the Blues a promising lead. However, despite this bright beginning, Bengaluru ultimately lost the contest 2-1 to the Gaurs. Even with the defeat, Singh's quick strike offered BFC fans a moment to celebrate and showcased the potential of the young talent. His performance highlighted the resilience of the team, proving that even in tough circumstances, there are reasons to remain hopeful and optimistic about the future of Bengaluru FC.
Vikram Partap Singh was awarded the 2023-24 ISL Emerging Player of the League for his outstanding performances with Mumbai City FC. He scored eight goals throughout the campaign, including a remarkable strike just 121 seconds after kickoff against North East United. In that match, the striker also found the net in the 10th and 80th minutes, completing his first ISL hat trick. His impressive contributions were pivotal to Mumbai City's success this season, proving his talent and potential as a rising star in the league.
Although scoring a goal fast doesn't really mean much, however a quick goal can get a team's morale up for sure!
