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In the first leg of the crucial Indian Super League semi-final tie against Jamshedpur FC on Friday, Kerala Blasters FC starlet Sahal Abdul Samad scored the winner at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda. The 24-year-old's goal gives the Yellow Tuskers a pivotal edge ahead of the second leg on Tuesday.
With his goal against the Red Miners, Sahal has taken his tally for the season to six and he also registered an assist. The Kerala-born midfielder opined that individually this has been his finest season. In the post-match interview, Sahil said:
"This has been one of the best seasons for me in every way. Goalscoring way, the way the team has played according to the plans of the coach. I am really happy for the team and very proud to help the team in each way."
In the 38th minute of the game against Jamshedpur, Sahal did well to get on the end of a deflected lobbed pass from Alvaro Vazquez. With TP Rehnesh advancing, the young midfielder eyed the goal and lobbed the ball over the JFC keeper's head. When asked about the goal, the youngster said:
"Yes, to be honest, I expected that ball. I blindly made that run and I got the ball just in front of me. I am thankful to God that I got the goal and I helped the team. Now nothing is over yet, we still have one half to go. We will continue to work hard and will be focused on the next game."
"It is pretty easy to play with foreign and experienced players" - Kerala Blasters FC's Sahal Abdul Samad
The likes of Adrian Luna, Alvaro Vazquez, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz have been firing on all cylinders for Kerala Blasters FC this season. Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, their attacking outlet has improved drastically. The Blasters attacking line looks adept in outwitting opposition defenses.
Sahal Abdul Samad stressed the influence the foreign contingent has had on the Indian players. He explained:
"Yes, it is pretty easy to play with foreign and experienced players, especially, Alvaro, Diaz and Luna in the team. They always teach us something. Even the little parts help us in every way. This is something Alvaro tells me when I come short, that I make the run and I am happy that I got the goal today."
Samad has been deployed as a wide midfielder in the Kerala Blasters FC system. However, Vukomanovic has used him to make runs between the defensive lines. With his movement and finishing improving drastically this season, Sahal's progression could be pivotal for KBFC as well as the Indian national team.
The Yellow Tuskers will square off against Jamshedpur FC in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday.
