Hyderabad FC beats Kerala Blasters on penalties (3-1) in the final and lifted their Maiden Indian Super League title for the season 2021-22. Check Hyderabad FC Become New ISL Champions.
The hero of the game was Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani who made three stunning saves in the tournament decider penalty shoot-out.
Kattimani’s mistake had handed Blasters a 1-0 lead in the second half, but Sahil Tavora’s stunner took the game to extra time and then penalty shootouts. The 32-year-old goalkeeper then produced three saves in the tie-breakers to take the silverware to Hyderabad.
It was Hyderabad’s maiden final with Kerala Blasters, who were competing in the final for the third time.
Hyderabad FC had qualified after a 3-2 win on aggregate over ATK Mohun Bagan. Hyderabad had won the first leg 3-1 through goals from Bartholomew Ogbeche, Yasir Mohammad, and Javier Siverio.
On the other hand, Kerala Blasters FC entered the ISL final for the first time since 2016. the team beat the Jamshedpur FC in the semis.
In 2014 and 2016, Kerala Blasters had made it to the finals, but on both occasions, they had lost to ATK. This is 3rd final match lost by Kerala Blasters in ISL.
This was the first occasion since the outbreak of COVID-19, the fans were in the stands cheering for favorite teams.
Also, Indian football legend IM Vijayan, chief national coach Igor Stimac were present for the summit clash.
Award winners of ISL 2021-22
- Golden Glove Award winner: Prabhsukhan Gill
- Golden Boot award: Bartholomew Ogbeche
- Hero of the League award: Jamshedpur FC’s Greg Stewart
- Emerging Player of the Year: Roshan Naorem Singh
Hyderabad FC players reactions!!
“I am very happy and it was a very important win for the team. Nobody thought this team will be in the Top 4 but now we have won the league”- Juanan
“It feels amazing. I cannot describe the emotions right now. It is the best moment of my life.”- Akash Mishra
“I think it was a good match to watch. Kerala is a very good opponent but we deserve this win. Last year, we came close but we are happy to win the title this year. The feeling of winning the final in front of the fans is amazing.”- Joao Victor
“It was my dream to win and today, I am happy for the whole team. Sahil [Tavora] scored a great goal and we came back into the match. All credit goes to Manolo. He always told us to play compact and today, we have won the title.”- Laxmikant Kattimani