Sahal Abdul Samad eyes return to Indian national team with Super Cup success
When Mohun Bagan Super Giant's Sahal Abdul Samad deftly scored the opening goal against Kerala Blasters FC in their Super Cup 2025 quarterfinal fixture, the midfielder's face had a sense of relief.
His arms went up as he stared into the sky and exhaled deeply before breaking into a smile. It was his first goal in almost eight months for his club.
'Finding the back of the net always brings happiness to a player. Especially, in a tough match, it's obviously an amazing feeling,' noted Sahal.
While MBSG secured a historic Indian Super League double (League Shield and Cup), Sahal had his own setbacks to overcome. Sporadic injuries took their toll on the 28-year-old and allowed him to play for only 816 minutes, which is the second-lowest for him after the 2019-2020 season (not including debut season).
However, rather than drowning in despondency, Sahal chose to take it on the chin and look ahead.
READ | Mohun Bagan SG eyes maiden Super Cup final
'Injuries are always part of football, and I always see it that way,' Sahal told Sportstar during an exclusive chat.
'The physios, the team medicals, they all supported me through this tough time. It was a lesson for me to be patient and keep working harder, and to do the necessary things outside of football,' he added.
Ever since he made his first appearance for KBFC back in 2018, Sahal has been deemed as one of the most remarkable talents the country has produced. He quickly became a mainstay for the Blasters, making 92 appearances for the club while also playing a major part in the 2021-22 campaign, where it reached the final before losing to Hyderabad FC on penalties.
His performances earned him a big-money move to Mohun Bagan in 2023, where he won the ISL League Shield twice and the ISL Cup and Durand Cup both once.
Speaking about the transition between the clubs, Sahal said that he was content with the decision that he took, while also explaining the differences that he experienced.
'Like every team, when I was playing there (KBFC), we were all fighting for the trophy. You know how close we were. But, when I came here (MBSG), there was a feeling that this is a champion team,' Sahal noted.
'The players around, the mentality, the management, it is all different here. I am happy about the step I took, which is a difficult step. But thankfully, I could handle it well,' he added.
With MBSG fielding essentially a reserve side for the ongoing Super Cup, Sahal, one of the few seniors in the side, said that he is trying his best to set an example.
'At first, it was a little bit difficult during training because we didn't know the junior players that well. But then, from the second and third day, they were all doing very well. And the best thing to motivate them is for us to work harder than they do,' Sahal explained..
'So, then, they will be eager to fight back. That is one thing I always tell them. Fight for everything. Give everything in your training, and success will come around,' he added.
National team and the future ahead
Since his national team call-up in 2019, Sahal has earned 39 caps, scoring three goals and assisting two in that period, while also lifting the Intercontinental Cup (2023) and two SAFF Championships (2021, 2023).
However, commenting on the national team's recent below-par performances, Sahal said that one of the main reasons could be the limited time the players get to gel with each other.
'I think it's the lack of time we have together. The training period is comparatively less. And then, it's all about mentality. Playing matches with different countries, top level players, all that makes a difference.
ALSO READ | Chhangte: I believe something good will happen this year for Indian national team
However, Sahal had words of praise for the current national team head coach, Manolo Marquez, and appreciated the boss's demand to play attractive football.
'We all know what he (Manolo) is capable of. Even when he was with Hyderabad, he won the trophy. He wants to keep playing beautiful football and fight for the ball. That's a huge plus point for our national team,' said Sahal.
Now, with India's AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match against Hong Kong coming up in June and the camp likely to begin late in May, Sahal will hope to make his return to the squad after missing out on the last four matches.
The Super Cup, in which he awaits Manolo's FC Goa in the semifinal on Wednesday, could be just the platform Sahal needs to prove that he is back to his best and reclaim his spot in the national setup.
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