'We stood up & continued our fight in win over Afghanistan,' claims India star Sahal Abdul Samad | OneFootball

India men's national team midfielder, Sahal Abdul Samad has expressed his delight at being the chosen one to score the winning goal for the Blue Tigers in their 2-1 win over Afghanistan in their second 2023 Asian Cup qualifier on Saturday, June 11.

Samad emerged as the hero for his side on the night, seizing limelight after bringing home the three points in a last-gasp goal after being subbed on for goalscorer and captain Sunil Chhetri in the closing minutes of the match.

The 25-year-old was quick to laud his fellow team-mates for the win, believing that they secured all three points due to the fighting nature of the side.

"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," he said in a media interaction.

The youngster also revealed that his winner against Afghanistan is one of the greatest moments of his career as it was for the national team and scored in front of fans at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.

"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," the youngster added.

Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Indian football circles, Samad will look to build on his performance and help the Blue Tigers register another win in their final Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on Tuesday, 14 June.