Goal in SAFF final boosted my confidence: Kerala Blasters' Sahal Abdul Samad

CHENNAI: When Sahal Abdul Samad came on as a substitute for Sunil Chhetri in the 86th minute of the SAFF Cup summit clash between India and Nepal, he wanted to leave a mark in what was his first final of a tournament. And he succeeded in his endeavour when he scored a brilliant goal in the 91st minute of the match as India won 3-0.
It was Sahal's first international goal as he eventually won his first trophy ever.While the match will always remain special to Sahal, he has now moved on to the next challenge. Kerala Blasters have played in two ISL finals but never managed to win the title. Sahal wants to change this statistic this season. With the ISL starting on Friday with the match between Kerala and ATK Mohun Bagan, Sahal tells TOI in an exclusive interview about his preparations, his future goals and, of course, discusses about his goal in the SAFF final.
Excerpts:
After winning the final you tweeted: first final, first trophy and first international goal. How satisfied were you with your performance?
Yes, I'm extremely happy as this was my first final and to top it up with my first goal at international level was special. Now that the SAFF Cup is done my focus immediately shifts on to the ISL season with Kerala Blasters, there's more work to be done as this is only one step in the right direction.
Describe the goal. What went on in your mind when you received the ball outside the box and when did you think that you will take a shot at goal?
I think it's a miracle. I really don't even know what I did inside the box but I scored. I was and I still feel emotional thinking about it. I thank God for this goal and I'll keep working hard.
You didn't get many chances in the Indian team ever since you made your debut. How did you keep yourself motivated?
I've always believed in the process of working hard and I always knew that my time will come. It's just that I had to seize my chance when it arrived. My mantra has always been simple: keep my head down and focus on what really matters while the rest will take care of itself. I always try to give my hundred percent to help my team win.
Your views about the upcoming ISL season.
It's a season we are all very excited about. My target will be to give my best and help my team win every time I step on the field.
Will we see more goals from you in the future?
Performances like the one in SAFF final can certainly influence a player's confidence. And it has certainly boosted mine. My job now is to learn and do what is asked out of me in every game. The most important thing for me is the team's success and if I can contribute in that, I will be more than happy.
What's the target for the ISL season?
As I said there's more work to be done. The SAFF final was just one game and I cannot sit down, relax and dwell on my laurels. I have to rather work hard and get even better.