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Sarpreet Singh, an 18-year midfielder of Indian origin player, scored a stunning goal for Wellington Phoenix. It was Singh's debut in the A-League and he lighted up the stage with a peach of a left foot strike.
Born and brought up in New Zealand, Sarpreet Singh has represented the Kiwis at the U-17 and the U-20 level. He was signed by the Phoenix last year when Singh signed a three-year contract with the Australian side in June 2017.
After a string of appearances off the bench, Singh finally got the opportunity to start against Perth Glory because Wellington's Goran Paracki suffered an ankle injury on Friday.
And boy, the teenager arrived on the big stage with a bang! 135 seconds after kickoff, Singh received a pass some 30 yards from goal. The midfielder took two touches, before stinging in a bullet of a shot.
The first touch led him on goal, on the second, he readied himself for the shot and then blasted one with his stronger left foot to beat the keeper and nestle against the right top corner. Singh was on the field for 67 minutes and was then substituted.
Wellington Phoenix won the game 2-1 on the night with victories being a rarity for the bottom-placed side this season (this was just their fourth win of the campaign). Singh's goal has led to discussions about why it took 20 games a talented youngster like him was given the nod to start.
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After the game, Wellington boss Darije Kalezic praised Singh's performance and revealed that the 18-year-old will be a regular starter for the Phoenix in their remaining matches.
Singh has already represented New Zealand u-20 level, but could still be eligible for the Indian national team, if he is willing to take up Indian citizenship.
What a hit, son!
