Kolkata: The defending Champions Gokulam Kerala FC qualified for the quarter-final of the 130th edition of Durand Cup after a dominating 7-2 win over Assam Rifles FC while Army Red too secured its spot with a 2-1 win over Hyderabad FC on Sunday.
The final group matches, which took place at the same time, were diametrically opposed. While the encounter between the Reds and ISL side Hyderabad FC at the Vivekananda YubabharatiKrirangan (VYBK) was tight and cagey, Assam Rifles and Gokulam Kerala match poured in goals at the Kalyani Stadium.
By halftime, the Malabarians had sprinted to a commanding 4-1 lead. Chisom Elvis Chikatara, a Nigerian striker, gave Gokulam the lead in the opening minute. In the first half, Goan attacker BenestonPiectonBarretto scored a brace, while Rahim Osumanu added to the scoreline.
Chikatara completed his hat-trick, the first of the 130th Durand Cup, with a double in the second half. Sourav, a substitute, too came on board and scored in the 61st minute.
Although the Assam Rifles scored twice (Soibam Roger Singh 36′ and SamujalRabha 63′), it was only a consolation.
In the other game at the VYBK, Army Red extended their unbelievable game by defeating Hyderabad FC 2-1 to become the second regimental team to qualify for the knockout stages. LitonShilof Army Red scored two goals and was the match’s hero. Hyderabad FC’s only goal came from Koustav Dutta.
The first half was tense, with both teams doing admirably. LitonShil scored the game’s first goal in the 32nd minute, but Hyderabad’s Koustav Dutta equalized just two minutes later. Several chances were made after that, but the score remained 1-1 at halftime.
In the second half, Army Red played a more attacking approach, and LitonShil played fantastically to score the victory match goal, advancing his team to the quarter-finals.
Gokulam’s Elvis Chikatara and Army Red’s LitonShil were named Man of the Match in their respective games.
