March 21 – FC Hyderabad claimed their maiden Indian Super League (ISL) crown following a penalty shoot-out victory over three-time finalists Kerala Blasters. After 120 minutes of football, each side had scored a single goal.
Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani saved three penalties to be the hero for the Telangana state franchise in a 3-1 victory in the penalty shoot-out.
Rahul Praveen had handed Kerala the lead in the 68th minute, but Sahil Tavora equalized two minutes before the full-time whistle.
The final also marked the return of fans in the ISL, with matches having been played behind closed doors throughout the pandemic. The Fatorda Stadium witnessed an influx of Kerala fans who had travelled by bus to Goa.
“After a long time, the fans were back in the stadium. It was a great atmosphere here,” said Tavora. “Obviously, Manjapadda are a very loud fan group and they are really awesome fans. Deccan Legion, the Hyderabad FC fans, also put on a great show.”
“We have a coach who is demanding and he demands 100% every day and in every game. So, we know we have to be on it. For example, in the second leg against ATK Mohun Bagan, we didn’t do our best.”
It’s the third time that Kerala have fallen short at the last hurdle after losing finals in both 2014 and 2016, twice against Atletico de Kolkata.
Hyderabad succeed Mumbai City as ISL champions. Jamshedpur, however, will represent India in the Asian Champions League as the winners of the ISL’s regular season.
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