FATORDA: It was every football enthusiast’s desire to witness the ISL final at the Fatorda stadium. It wasn’t just a final for the fans, but this was the first time the Stadium was open for the fans to watch a high octane clash after a gap of two years.
Fatorda was chaotic right from early Sunday morning. Though the final match between Kerala Blasters and Hyderabad FC was at 7.30 p.m.; the fans were already at the venue. It was flooded by a sea of yellow army. The streets were buzzing with chants such as Blasters Blasters, KBFC, KBFC, throughout. When a few hundred did it, it was different, but this time they were thousands of them.
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It was evident that the finalist team fans were first to grab the tickets once the stadium was announced open for the final. “We booked the tickets instantly once they were announced and were put up for sale. This season we knew our team was stronger than before. Getting to witness the first competitive game after a span of two years was something special for us,” stated Anas Mohammed, a Kerala Blasters fan.
And they lit the Fatorda stadium. Journalists who travelled from Kerala to watch the clash, too agreed the atmosphere was phenomenal and the fans were successful in creating a similar vibe at Fatorda.
The Kerala fans were truly in big numbers and it was difficult to spot the handful of Hyderabad FC fans. But we did manage to find one. Vihari Sai was one of the 150 fans who travelled from Hyderabad for the finals. “The feeling of coming back to the stadium is unexplainable. We are here in small number but our desire and the passion is the same,”
Football wins
While the Kerala and Hyderabad fans were rightfully there cheering their team, one couldn’t ignore the Forca Goa chants at the break. While many Goans hunted for tickets, few lucky ones got the opportunity to witness the game.
It wasn’t until 4 p.m., Sidharth Mehta knew he would get the chance to see the action in his most loved stadium. He did try to get the tickets earlier, but they were sold out even before he could check them.
“I was graced with hospitality tickets by a player. The reason what brought me and several Goans is for the love of the beautiful Game of football. I’m proud of the Goan players and many ex-Gaurs showcasing their talents which indeed make us Goans proud,” stated Sidharth.
“I can’t express my emotions amid the deafening chants at the Nehru stadium. I’m sure the stadium is breaking all records of sound decimals,” stated Sidharth Mehta, who had never missed a single match at Nehru stadium, Fatorda from the inception of the league.
“The Nehru stadium belongs to Goans and we love football as it runs in our blood . It was heart touching when Manjapada fans came towards the Gaur army thanking us for the hospitality and love we ensured to every travelling fan. This is a victory for Indian football fans that we love enjoying every bit of it beyond club rivalries,” he explained.
