Sahal Abdul Samad is the only footballer among the six players competing for the Manorama Sports Star award. Sahal’s brilliant performance for Blasters and for India brought him into the race for the best sportsman.
It has been a year where Sahal has laced his boots for many magical moments that determine the course of the game. Behind Kerala Blasters’ run to the final of the ISL in Goa are the footprints of Sahal’s career-best season. Sahal had a memorable 2021–22 ISL season with 6 goals, 1 assist and 114 scoring chances in 21 matches. In the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier, he came on as a substitute against Afghanistan and scored the winning goal in injury time. Be it a winger, a striker or a number 10, he can shine in any forward role’ – Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic, what else to say about Sahal!
Sahal Abdul Samad in Manorama Sports Star 2022