Ghana forward Latif Blessing has expressed delight in winning his first silverware with Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City.
The Ghana International was instrumental in the club’s journey to scooping their 4th Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup.
Sporting Kansas City were crowned champions of the 2017 U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in a nail-biting final at sold-out Children’s Mercy Park.
A 25th-minute header from Latif Blessing and a 66th-minute strike from Daniel Salloi were just enough to secure victory as Sporting Kansas City continued their mastery of North America’s oldest soccer tournament.
“I’m so happy,” a very excited Latif Blessing said amidst the joy and bliss after the game. “This is my first championship with the club. I’m so happy. Just so happy.”
The 20-year –old forward had to be pull out of the game midway in the second half after picking up a knock. Latif said he could have scored more on the night, if he had not sustained the injury.
“I didn’t feel anything,” he said. “I was so happy. This leg, I didn’t feel anything in this leg. No pain. I was going to run.”
“If not for my injury, I was going to score three,” he said. “Yes, if not for my injury, I was going to score a hat trick.”
Blessing joined Sporting Kansas City last season following an outstanding Ghana Premier League season that saw him win the Most Valuable Player award.
The former Ghana Premier League goal king has proven his quality was no fluke after continuing from where he left off in Ghana.
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin