We never gave up: India midfielder Sahal Samad after scoring match-winning goal against Afghanistan

Indian midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad was on cloud nine after he scored the match-winning goal against Afghanistan in the team’s second encounter of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday.

Samad replaced the goal-scorer Sunil Chhetri in the dying minutes of the game. The team’s captain had given a 1-0 lead to Blue Tigers from a free-kick before he was subbed off by the side’s head coach Igor Stimac.

As Samad was going to take the field when Afghanistan substitute Zubayr Amiri equalized for the Men in Red with a fine header. However, Samad was able to score in the stoppage time to give a 2-1 victory to his team and crucial three points in the Group.

Samad said after the game, “Everything changed in a minute because the moment I was about to enter, we conceded a goal and we kept our heads down, but we never gave up. We stood up, we continued our fight, and in the end, we got our goal. Thanks to the team and everyone involved for the win, we’re incredibly happy about it.”

Sahal Samad, who was born in the UAE, added it was a wonderful feeling to contribute to the team’s success.

The 25-year-old added, “Amazing feeling, you know. It’s always good to score goals and make the team win. I’d like to add that it’s not just me, it’s a total team effort, and you could see that throughout the game, from the first minute we never gave up and achieved the result. I’m happy for the team.”

Samad rated his match-winning goal as one of the greatest moments of his young career as it came in front of the home crowd.

He said, “I think it is one of the greatest because it’s in front of the fans, here in Kolkata and it’s for the national team. I’m really proud of and thanks to Ashique [Kuruniyan] for providing the assist. A win is always wonderful for any team, especially in such situations, where we were leading 1-0, we conceded a goal, and scored another and won the match. It totally increases the team spirit.”

India will next face Hong Kong in the third match on Tuesday. Hong Kong has also won both of its opening matches in Group D.