The memoirs of Indian football will get engraved with new honours as the first-time finalists Hyderabad FC will take on two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters FC in the final of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at the PJN Stadium in Margao, Goa on Sunday.

Former captain, striker and the face of Indian football in the 70s, Shabbir Ali, has made his predictions for who will lift the Hero ISL title trophy in an interview with Sportskeeda.

“Hyderabad FC have played an exceptional brand of football this season. They don’t have many renowned Indian players, yet they have outplayed most of their opponents. Of course, I’m a bit biased towards this team as it belongs to my own city,” said Ali.

The Dhyan Chand Awardee is thankful to the club for reviving the love for football amongst its city in less than three years since its inception.

“The people of Hyderabad are grateful to HFC for reviving our passion for football. They have the potential to match the feats of the legendary Hyderabad City Police side. Everyone is very excited about the final. You need to give HFC credit for what they’ve achieved in just three years. Varun, Sujay and the others deserve plaudits as well.”

Hyderabad FC now find themselves one step away from an epoch-making moment of glory as they take on Kerala Blasters FC for the title clash.