Kolkata: An early second-half goal from Rahim Osumanu saw defending Champions Gokulam Kerala bag all the three points against Hyderabad FC in a group encounter of the 130tg edition of Durand Cup at Kalyani Stadium on Thursday, September 16.
As the results suggest Gokulam was in for a strong start dominating the game, creating chances although they couldn’t be converted. The major opportunity that could have opened the scoring books for Gokulam came early in the first half when Osumanu had the ball right in front of the net but could not pass.
A few minutes later Osumanu provided Emil Benny with a cross which the latter failed to convert. Gokulam tested Hyderabad custodian Lalbaikhula Jongte quite a number of times before the lemon break.
In the second half, Gokulam kept their momentum and in a minute Osumanu scored from a rebound after Jongte made a terrific save giving his team the lead. Two minutes later, things went otherwise for the leading side when Benny was handed a second yellow and the team was rendered to 10.
Hyderabad FC took their moment and went with all guns blazing. A string of magnificent saves from Gokulam’s keeper Ajmal PA helped his side to hold on to the lead. Gokulam skipper Sharif Mohammad was honored as the Man of the Match.
