Hyderabad won their first ISL title with the help of a penalty shootout victory over Kerala Blasters

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC won its first Indian Super League title thanks to Laxmikant Kattimani’s heroics in a penalty shootout victory over Kerala Blasters FC.

Hyderabad FC won their first Indian Super League title after defeating Kerala Blasters in a penalty shoot-out in the final match on Sunday. Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani produced three incredible saves.

After a 1-1 tie-in regulation and extra time, Hyderabad defeated Kerala 3-1 in the shootout.

Joao Victor, Khassa Camara, and Halicharan Narzary scored for Hyderabad, but only Ayush Adhikari scored in the shoot-out as Kerala was eliminated for the third time in the finals. Kattimani’s heroics were crucial in Hyderabad’s victory in the shoot-out. Mark Leskovic, Nishu Kumar, and Jeakson Singh all had spot-kicks that he saved.

The Hyderabad dugout and fans in the grandstand exploded in joy when Narzary’s penalty sent Kerala goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill the wrong way, while the loyal Kerala fans were heartbroken as spectators returned to the stadium for the first time in two years to watch an ISL match.

Earlier in the encounter, Kerala took the lead with 22-year-old Rahul KP’s goal in the 68th minute, but Sahil Tavora equalized with a magnificent volley in the 88th minute.

Until Rahul broke the deadlock in the 68th minute with a magnificent right-footed shot from outside the area, there was little to separate the two teams.

(SMIT SONI)