Editorial Football Hero ISL Indian football

“I think this is my best goal”, says Liston Colaco

April 16, 2024
Rahul Giri
Mohun Bagan SG are the ISL 2023-24 Shield Winners (Image: ISL)

Liston Colaco and Jason Cummings’ stunning strikes ensured Mohun Bagan edged past Mumbai City FC 2-1 to secure the elusive ISL Shield in front of a packed crowd. Colaco scored a jaw-dropping curler in the 1st half, while Cummings pulled off a calm finish in the 81st minute, sending Mohun Bagan supporters into ecstasy.

“We trained for this for 7 months, so our first objective was to win the Shield. So, I think we have achieved our goal, and now our main focus is the playoffs,” said Liston Colaco after winning the ISL league Shield.

The Goan forward has scored many such goals before, but this one came in a crucial game as it decided the fate of the Mariners in the League Shield decider against Mumbai City. When asked if this was his best goal, Liston replied, “I have scored many good goals, but I think this is my best goal as it helped my team win the shield.”

Another hero of the match, Jason Cummings, lauded the fans for their support and for turning out in huge numbers to cheer for the team.

“The fans came in huge numbers, and we made it happen for them today. It’s because of their support that we achieved this,” said Jason Cummings.

 

The Australian also won the A-League last year with Central Coast Mariners. So, it’s a double joy for him to win back-to-back laurels. However, instead of celebrating too much, Cummings wants to stay focused on winning the treble for Mohun Bagan. After winning the Durand Cup and ISL Shield, Mohun Bagan still has an opportunity to defend the ISL trophy, and the Australian forward has set his sights on the treble.

“I am happy to be here and become the Champion of India. The boys deserved this. It’s been a good season; we all stuck together, and today we get the rewards. Our next target is the Treble. We have won the Durand Cup and now the Shield, and we need to focus now so that we can win the treble. We will go back and have some fun and dance, but we need to focus because we have the opportunity to win the treble, and after that, we celebrate properly,” said Cummings.

Mohun Bagan captain Subhasish Bose feels ecstatic to lift the first ISL Shield as captain of the green and maroon brigade.

“I am very elated because, as Captain of Mohun Bagan, this is the first time that I have won the ISL Shield. Also, I think this is a golden year for Bengal football as all the trophies have come to Bengal,” Bose said after the game.