FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Seiminlen Doungel dedicates equalizer to entire family
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India's young winger Seiminlen Doungel, who scored a late equalizer against Afghanistan in the World Cup qualifiers, during the injury time has dedicated the goal to his entire family. The youngster also spoke about the motivation by his wife and the inspiration he draws from Sunil Chhetri.
On a hard-fought night against Afghanistan in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, India once again escaped with a draw from a late equalizer of FC Goa's Seiminlen Doungel. Doungel came in as a substitute for Mandar Rao Desai in the second half to score the header from fellow Goan partner Brandon Fernandes's corner in the 93rd minute.
The goal was his first for the Blue Tigers in his national career and it came in a crucial fixture in a crucial time. Moreover, Doungel is excited with the goal and dedicates it to his entire family.
“It'll always stay right at the top, No other goal comes closer to this. I am a strong believer in God and I prayed to him before going into the pitch. The moment I connected and the ball went in, I actually went blank." said Seiminlen Doungel to the Media, ISL website reported.
"I couldn't actually realise what happened and after a fraction of a second, I came back to reality. I dedicate the goal to my entire family.” He further added.
Seiminlen Doungel started this year's ISL campaign for FC Goa with a goal against Chennaiyin in the opener. However, in the game against NorthEast United FC, he received a marching order for a bad foul.
The 25-year-old winger spoke about his wife's role in motivating him in his lows, “My wife was an avid cricket follower just like any other Indian. She didn't have any idea about football but since we met, she started following football and taking interest in Indian Football. She has been my biggest motivator. She has always backed me whenever I have been low. When I spoke to her after the match, she broke down. Everyone in our family watched the match. Everyone was glued to the television set and it makes me feel so happy that I, to some extent, could deliver.” Doungel said.
Seiminlen Doungel then went on to speak about the way ahead for Indian football and revealed why he draws inspiration from the legend Sunil Chhetri.“I know, I have a long way to go and it is just the starting. If we look up to Chhetri-Bhai, probably we can realise how much effort and hard work you have to put in day in and day out to maintain the consistency. The amount of sacrifices and hard yards that he has put in is what we should follow. It is not a fairy tale. It has to be the hardcore reality to achieve the dream,” Doungel concluded.
