Baljit Sahni has been a crucial member of Atlético de Kolkata’s historic run to becoming the first champions of the Hero Indian Super League. The Punjab-born striker chipped in with two goals, and deputised as a wingback on occasion when Kolkata’s defence was hit by injuries. The 27-year-old was visibly thrilled at having helped his side win the inaugural edition of the ISL, and had plenty of words of praise for Mohammed Rafique, the man whose late winner over Kerala Blasters won the final for Kolkata.“It feels amazing!” exulted Sahni in an exclusive post-match interview with indiansuperleague.com. “It was the first ISL, as you said, so to have won it is an amazing feeling.”Sahni credited head coach Antonio López Habas after the Spanish gaffer masterminded Kolkata’s historic success, though Sahni revealed that Kolkata’s counterattacking style in the final was more a reaction to Kerala’s in-game dominance rather than a predetermined strategy. “That wasn’t planned as such,” the forward said. “It depends on the game situation, and on the coach. Whatever he tells us, we do that on the field. We did that, and we won!”The striker agreed that the victory was all the more special for the way it was earned, with Rafique’s stoppage-time goal winning Kolkata the title. “It was a great goal in the dying minutes,” Sahni said of Rafique’s header. “We’re feeling great that we scored in the last minute and that won the final for us.”Sahni was full of praise for match-winner Rafique, whose second-half cameo was only his second appearance in the entire tournament. “I wish him all the best!” exclaimed Sahni about his colleague. “Congratulations to him. He came late in the second half and scored a crucial goal for us. I’m really glad, and thankful to him!”Indian international Sahni was looking forward to celebrating his side’s triumph with his teammates, saying, “We’ll go back to the team hotel and enjoy!” Having delivered the ISL title to football-rich Kolkata in the league’s first edition, the ‘City of Joy’ will no doubt be waiting for an even bigger celebration when Sahni and the team come home with the trophy.
