Visal Kaith’s airborne save to deny free-kick specialist Sunil Chhetri his moment of glory at the Balewadi Stadium on Thursday should have placed the FC Pune City custodian among the contenders for the ‘Hero of the Match’ award but Marko Stankovic got the prize for intense for his work.
The goalkeeper stood between Bengaluru FC and an away victory in the first leg semifinal and the reflex save had a bigger impact on the match’s outcome than any other player in both camps.
Spectacular
Kaith appeared beaten by the change of angle till his stretched right fist overhead came in contact with the curling ball and tipped it over the crossbar. BFC captain Chhetri was left tugging his hair in despair even as teammates rushed to greet the shot-stopper for his anticipation and reflexes under pressure.
“It was a challenging task, but that is what I am here for,” reacted the player. “Conceding a goal is not an option. I was ready for it and kept my eyes on the ball. The moment he (Chhetri) kicked, I saw the direction of the ball and did not take my eyes off it. It was travelling at speed and moving in the air. I kept the ball in sight till the last moment and saved,” said the 21-year-old India junior international.
Good growth
He was drafted into the AIFF regional academy and played in the I-League for Shillong Lajong before joining FCPC last season.
Kaith had to fight for a place in the first team with Kamaljit Singh and once he got a look-in, there was no looking back. From Rotru, near Shimla, Kaith picked up early goalkeeping lessons with friends in a clearing among apple orchards.
A fan of Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Kaith will be watched closely by Bengaluru FC during the return leg semi-final.
“The save or my performance in the semifinals is not the only way I am paying back Pune City. I was not the most experienced last season and worked hard to get here. I am happy to help my team reach this stage.”
Pune, needing only a draw on March 11 to clinch the final place, will consider jersey No. 13 as its lucky charm.