Substitute Mohammed Rafique Hands
Atlético de Kolkata left it very late to clinch victory over Kerala Blasters FC and claim the inaugural Hero Indian Super League title. For large periods of the match, it was Kerala that dominated the proceedings but when it mattered the most, Kolkata struck, deep into stoppage time through substitute a Mohammed Rafique header from a corner to crown themselves champions.
It was a fast paced first period with both sides moving the ball around quickly. Kerala were the first ones off the block as they pushed forward with intent. Kolkata however looked comfortable in defence. The first chance of the match came fairly early on when Kerala’s Victor Forcada beat his defender in the box to fire a shot goalwards but it was blocked and the ball went out of play.
The moment of the match came deep into stoppage time when it looked like extra time loomed. A Jakub Podaný corner found its way into the box and substitute Rafique got on the end of it to head past David James into the near bottom corner and send the whole of Kolkata into a frenzy.
