David James, former England custodian and a pro in Iceland before coming here, and Antonio Habas, ex-national coach of Bolivia, were managers on opposite sides in the first Indian Super League final.
James was closer to the action, keeping goal for Kerala Blasters FC while Habas fumed in the Atletico de Kolkata dug-out. The latter finally got his moment of joy when the match-winning goal happened from nowhere in injury-time.
The burly Spaniard jerked up from the bench, raising his arm in triumph and leaped to join his support staff and substitutes in full-throated celebration.
James sank to the ground, deflated and dejected. James wears many hats in the KB squad; he is goalkeeper, manager and marquee player. The former World Cupper was humble in defeat, contrary to his body language on the turf and intimidating presence in the team dug-out right through the event.
“I am disappointed. I am also positive about the fact that we reached the final and chased them till the last minute. It was a cup final between sides with the best defensive record, so was a tight affair. Atletico created chances. So did we, up until the final minute. It is frustrating that a set play cost us the game.”
James chose himself to man the KB goal, replacing an outstanding performer in Sandip Nandy. “Atletico were the best team in the competition. I was hoping we can ( sic ) beat them.
“We had chances, but it (result) goes to show that you have to play till the final whistle. One minute before the end we switched off. It cost us the match,” said the goalkeeper.
Apoula Bete, his counterpart under the ATK bar, delivered another match-winning performance, saving his best effort to deny Michael Chopra in the 83d minute.
“Bete made a save fitting of the cup final,” said James. “If that save had not happened, I would be here talking about the title.”
ATK goalkeeper Bete was awarded the ‘Swift Moment of the Match’ prize. Other individual awards for the final were Rafique (Hero of the Match), Kerala Blasters midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed (Emerging Player of the Match) and Atletico de Kolkata defender Josemi Rey (Fittest Player of the Match).
