Rafique gives Atlético de Kolkata the title
A goal that was worth its weight in gold. On the final play of the game, on the injury time, Rafique connected a perfect header that won the Super League to Atlético of Kolkata.
Kerala Blasters: D. James; C. Falvey, N. Chettri, S. Dey (Mathew, 93’), S. Jhingan, S. Pearson, Pulga (Orji, 78’), M. Hossain; I. Hume, M. Chopra and I. Ahmed
Atlético de Kolkata: Edel; Debnath, Arnab Mondal, Josemi, Podany; Borja, Nato, Arnal Llibert; Sahni, Pradhan and Rafi (Rafique, 74’).
Referee: He booked the local players Chettri (26'), Dey (44’) and Jhingan (67’), and the visiting O. Nato (37'), Josemi (39’), Borja (57’) and Rafique (88’).
THE GOAL:
0-1. 94’. Rafique heads into the net of the near post a corner kick from Podany.
The expectation for the fixture was extremely high. All the work done by the two teams was reduced to the 90 minutes the final lasted and both coaches outlined a one-on-one game. Atlético de Kolkata was able to see there the spot where Kerala could be harmed and Rafi had more than one chance to open the score with races that looked for distant balls to the back of Falvei, but James worked an impeccable first half.
In the second half, equality was the tonic with chances for both sides, while Edel was the great red and white figure with three interventions full of merit. On the final play of the match, and when the extra time was on everyone's mind, a corner kick bounced by Podany was sent to the net by Rafique with an accurate header to the near post. Goal and title for our team in the first edition of the Indian Super League.
