ISL Final 2022: Hyderabad FC edge Kerala Blasters in penalty thriller to clinch maiden title

Fatorda, March 20: Hyderabad FC bagged their maiden Indian Super League title when they defeated Kerala Blasters in penalties on Sunday (March) at the PJN Stadium.

After both the teams ended up 1-1 in regulation time, the match was extended to extra time and then to penalties eventually. KP Rahul had put the Blasters ahead in the 68th minute and looked set for their maiden ISL title.

But in the 88th minute, Sahil Tavora scored a stunning goal to earn Hyderabad the parity.

But in the penalties, HFC goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani held his nerves to block 4 shots of Blasters, including a retook one after he moved ahead of line before the kick was taken, to hand his team the title.

Nita Ambani greets teams

Nita Ambani, Chairperson, Football Sports Development Limited today spoke about welcoming fans back to the stadium for the final of the Indian Super League on March 20, 2022, at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Goa.

“We have missed celebrating the spirit of fans in the stadiums for two years. But, now this final is the first match in two seasons, when we welcome fans back into the stands. There have been challenges but the spirit of sport, as always, has triumphed over all odds,” said Mrs. Ambani.

She added that the thrill and excitement that fans will bring from the stands, reflects the spirit of football.

“The greatest joy in this beautiful game, is the joy of being a fan. With live chants of the fans, as they cheer for their favourite team, football will be the real winner.”

Amidst much excitement around the opportunity of watching the battle for the Hero ISL trophy, at the stadium, the tickets for the final were sold out within a few hours of going live.

Nita Ambani also lauded the performance of the Indian players in yet another season headlined by the emergence of domestic talent for the national squad.

“With every season since inception, we have seen the quality of football getting better and our domestic players shining. The likes of Liston Colaco, Akash Mishra, Prabsukhan Gill, Sahal and so many others, have become footballing icons for the next generation.”