Five SC Delhi players to watch as they enter ISL 2026-27 after Durand Cup semi-final run
Sporting Club Delhi will enter the 2026-27 Indian Super League season following their run to the semi-finals of the 135th Durand Cup, aiming to build on the promise they showed in that tournament. The Delhi-based side will attempt to improve on a difficult debut ISL campaign under head coach Tomasz Tchórz.
SC Delhi won all three of their group matches in the Durand Cup to finish with nine points, then overturned a first-half deficit to beat FC Raengdai 5-1 in the quarter-finals. Their run ended against East Bengal FC in the semi-final, which finished goalless before SC Delhi lost 5-3 on penalties. The Durand Cup performances have provided attacking highlights the club will seek to transfer into greater consistency across a full ISL season.
Juan Sebastián Peña could provide creative spark for SC Delhi after scoring twice in the 7-1 win over the Indian Air Force and adding another goal against Defenders FC in the Durand Cup. The Colombian midfielder has shown an ability to find space in dangerous areas and to contribute to attacking moves. If Peña can maintain that form in the ISL, he could supply the team with an additional source of goals and creativity alongside the forward line.
Lalrinliana Hnamte arrived with expectations and made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his debut to help SC Delhi come from behind to beat Jamshedpur FC 2-1, and later finding the net in the 7-1 victory over the Indian Air Force. The former India U-23 captain is primarily a defensive midfielder but has contributed in the final third during the tournament. At 23, Hnamte brings youth international leadership and a combination of protection for the defence and attacking output.
Mohammed Aimen has produced direct attacking contributions for SC Delhi, scoring against Defenders FC in the 7-0 Durand Cup victory and also netting in their 3-0 ISL win over NorthEast United FC last season. The winger’s movement and attacking intent have been highlighted as qualities that can trouble defences and create opportunities for teammates. Aimen’s prior ISL experience was noted as a factor in his role for Tomasz Tchórz’s side.
Joseph Sunny emerged as a decisive option off the bench during the Durand Cup, coming on to score twice in the second half of the quarter-final against FC Raengdai to inspire the 5-1 comeback. He had earlier scored twice in a 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in April 2026. Sunny’s capacity to find space inside the penalty area and convert chances was underlined by those performances.
Rodriguinho produced one of the tournament’s most eye-catching goal tallies, scoring five goals in SC Delhi’s 7-0 win over Defenders FC, and adding strikes in the 7-1 win over the Indian Air Force and the quarter-final victory against FC Raengdai. The Brazilian forward combined finishing, individual skill and the ability to take on defenders during the Durand Cup, making him a notable attacking threat for the upcoming league campaign.
SC Delhi will begin the 2026-27 Indian Super League season seeking to translate their Durand Cup momentum into sustained league performances, with Peña, Hnamte, Aimen, Sunny and Rodriguinho expected to be central figures as the club looks to be more competitive under Tomasz Tchórz.
