Hyderabad FC midfielder Sahil Tavora was on cloud nine after his team lifted their maiden Hero Indian Super League title by beating Kerala Blasters FC by 3-1 on penalties after the match ended in a 1-1 draw at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday. It looked like the Southerners were all set to win their first-ever Hero ISL title as Rahul KP gave them a lead in the 68th minute.
However, Tavora spoiled the Southerners’ party as he equalized when only two minutes were left in the regular time to force the game into extra time. The midfielder got a good connection on the ball and scored from the distance to keep his team alive in the contest.
“I think it was a great moment. I was aware that the clock was ticking and it fell perfectly to me and I struck it and thankfully I connected well, and it was a great goal”, said the 26-year-old in the post-match presentation,
On the other hand, Tavora also heaped praise on Laxmikant Kattimani who made three crucial saves in the penalty shootout and was like a wall in front of the goal.
He added, “Credit goes to Kattimani. He’s been great for us all season, not just today, but I think it is a fitting tribute to him because he lost a final here and just to come back and have this moment. He deserves this.”
In fact, Sahil Tavora has played for clubs like Mumbai City FC and FC Goa but this was the first time when he won the Hero ISL title in his career. The 26-year old added that it is a dream come true moment for him.
He concluded, “It means everything. We worked so hard for this. It’s something I dreamed up for sure. To get a goal in the final as well and to win it like this is a dream come true. God has a plan for you, it is incredible.”
Hyderabad FC will be delighted after a successful campaign and they will look to replicate the same success in the next season.
