As the scores remained 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, the game went to penalties and Kattimani made three brilliant saves to triumph 3-1 from the shoot-out.
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Hyderabad FC boss Manuel Marquez feels Laxmikant Kattimani is the best goalkeeper in the country for their style of play. The 32-year-old custodian produced a brilliant performance in the final of the Hero Indian super League 2022 against Kerala Blasters FC to help his side lift their maiden trophy. As the scores remained 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, the game went to penalties and Kattimani made three brilliant saves to triumph 3-1 from the shoot-out.
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? We are the Champions!
Narzary’s cool penalty gives us our first trophy in our history.
The glory days are back, Hyderabad ?#ForTheCup ? #ThisIsOurGame #మనహైదరాబాద్ #HyderabadFC pic.twitter.com/iRqV5D6DfB
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) March 20, 2022
Kattimani buries the bitter memories of 2015 ISL final to create a beautiful new one. He was often criticized for his error-prone game but Marquez saw something different in him which was suitable for HFC’s plans.
The head coach was speaking to the media after the match and when asked about why did he preserve with Kattimani this season, Marquez said: “For our style of play. People ask me about this all the time. I always say he is the best goalkeeper for our style of play. He is a goalkeeper who is not only in the goal but he is good with the feet and play outside the box like today.
Kerala Blasters goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill had a breakthrough season as he kept seven clean sheets and won the Golden Glove award. The 21-year-old, who had come in to replace the injured Albino Gomez in Blasters’ second match of the league, went on to deliver a solid performance between the sticks. The coach added: In my opinion, Prabhsukhan Gill played very well this season but maybe because I am the coach of Hyderabad, if I have to choose one, for sure it is Kattimani.”
Kattimani made two identical saves diving to his right side to deny Marko Leskovic and Nishu Kumar from the penalty spot before making a full-stretch diving save to his left to keep out Jeakson Singh’s spot-kick.
When asked about whether Kattimani should have received a national call-up, the Spanish tactician said: First of all, when I have to speak about one thing that is not for me, I have huge respect for other coaches and Igor Stimac.
He added “I cannot say if this player should go (for national duty) or not. I can only speak of the level of Kattimani during these two years. He is one of the best goalkeepers in India. Kattimani practically didn’t make any mistakes.”
