Kolkata- Two goals and an assist from Luka Majcen orchestrated a 4-2 victory for Gokulam Kerala FC over ATK Mohun Bagan in the Group D opening encounter of the AFC Cup. The woes of the Mariners were strengthened when central defender Tiri had to be stretchered off the field following a ACL injury after a collision with Majcen himself.
കേരളത്തിന്റെ അഭിമാനം മലബാറിന്റെ സ്വന്തം 🔥🔥
Champions of India start with a thrilling win over ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup 💯#GKFC #Malabarians #AFCCUP #GFCvsAMB pic.twitter.com/YPpGiHjuZt
— Gokulam Kerala FC (@GokulamKeralaFC) May 18, 2022
The Mariners started the game with a lot of poise and dominance, as they kept hurling attacks at the Gokulam Kerala side with Roy Krishna returning to the starting line up. However, the midfield felt off with Joni Kauko missing on partner Hugo Boumous. However, Roy Krishna was soon to breaking the deadlock but his shot deflected back hitting the inner post not long before Kauko’s wonder strike hit Rakshit Dagar’s hands.
Luka Majcen who had been kept contained by Tiri, found his space when Tiri was replaced by Ashutosh Mehta. Majcen broke the deadlock in the 50th minute while Pritam Kotal equalized for the Mariners soon. However, Rishad gave the Malabarians the lead once more before Majcen doubled it. Liston Colaco scored a point perfect freekick in giving ATKMB a chance to decrease the deficit however, super sub Jithin ended all the hopes of recovery for the Mariners.
Gokulam will be playing their next game in two days time against Maziya SR in a home to attain the magic figure while, ATK Mohun Bagan will play cross-border rivals Bashundhara Kings in an attempt to over turn the woes from the game.
