Kolkata: East Bengal defeated a resolute Gokulam Kerala FC 2-1 in the Durand Cup quarterfinals, thanks to an early goal by Jordan Rhys Elsey and an own goal by Bouba Aminou. Gokulam Kerala’s goal came from Bouba Aminou. On August 29th, East Bengal will meet North East United in the semifinals.
We march on! ✊
BELIEVE in #BangalPower! ❤️💛#DurandCup #JoyEastBengal #EmamiEastBengal pic.twitter.com/sm4r0xAgf5
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) August 25, 2023
East Bengal startled Gokulam Kerala by taking the lead in the first minute of play. Borja Herrara’s normal training ground corner kick was headed back into the danger zone from the edge of the box by Javier Siverio. Australian defender Jordan Rhys Elsey beautifully flicked it into the goal. The Malabarians responded well to the early loss, looking threatening going forward with East Bengal defending deep and seeking to play in transition.
To create chances, the Torch Bearers utilised the speed of Nandha Kumar and Mahesh Singh in the wings. They could have extended their lead with another corner, but Saul Crespo’s right-footed volley hit the crossbar. On the other end, Komron Tursunov hit the crossbar with a volley before Alejandro Sanchez Lopez forced a superb stop out of East Bengal goalie Prabhsukhan Singh Gill to preserve the Kolkata side ahead at the break.
Emami East Bengal FC into the semis after defeating Gokulam Kerala FC with 2-1 scoreline.#IndianOilDurandCupPoweredbyCoalIndia #DurandCup2023 #132ndEditionofIndianOilDurandCup #IndianFootball #IndianFootballForwardTogether #ManyChampionsOneLegacy #EEBFCGKFC #QuarterFinals pic.twitter.com/NbkMEgeGLW
— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) August 25, 2023
When play resumed, it was the Malabarians who showed the most determination to get an equaliser. They were dominating the midfield and putting the East Bengal defenders under strain. Bouba Aminou’s header in the 57th minute gave them the equaliser.K. Abhijith’s left-wing cross was powerfully met by Bouba, who had Prabhsukhan glued to the spot. Cleiton Silva was brought in by Carles Cuadrat to raise the intensity of the attack. He had a half-chance to score, but Zothanmawia of Gokulam Kerala cleanly stopped his side-footed shot.
East Bengal were having much off the ball and put pressure on the Malabarians defence. East Bengal regained their lead in the 77th minute through an own goal. Nishu Kumar’s darting ball was unfortunately deflected into his own net by Bouba Aminou, sending the local crowd into a frenzy. East Bengal defended well, not allowing the Gokulam attackers any space to create any chances.
In the closing minutes of the second half, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul tested the custodian with a long-range shot. Cleiton Silva had a chance to seal the game in injury time, but his header flew wide of the post. East Bengal cruised through the rest of the game to advance to the semifinals.
East Bengal – 2
Elsey 1’ Bouba (og) 77’
Gokulam Kerala – 1
Bouba 57
