Durand Cup 2023: Gokulam Kerala FC wins against Indian Air Force, Delhi and Tribhuvan Army share point

By
Jayujyoti Mullick
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0
Gokulam Kerala FC

Kolkata: The champions of Durand Cup 2019, Gokulam Kerala FC made an easy win against Indian Air Force Football Team with a scoreline of 2-0. Sourav and Sreekuttan scored for Gokulam FC on eitherside of the half at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.

The Indian Air Force Football Team could not stand against the Malabarians.

The opening chance for Gokulam Kerala FC came in the 20th minute with Noufal going through the right. However, his cut-back in was shot way-above the target by Nili Perdomo. Five minutes later, Indian Air Force had their chance, Vivek Kumar shot made a shot from outside the box. However, the shot was too feeble to create any worry for Gokulam goalkeeper Zothanmawia.

Alex Sanchez, just missed an opportunity to double the lead, but Gokulam took a one-goal lead to the break.

In the starting minutes of the second half, Rahul Raju of Gokulam Kerala got booked. On the hour-mark, Gokulam scorer Sourav pulled up forcing gaffer Domingo Cabrera that made into a double change. Shijin came for the injured Sourav while Abhijith replaced Rahul Raju. IAFFT’s Priya Darshan brought on Zico Zorem Sanga, taking out Naorem Somananda Singh from midfield.

With Zico coming in the game, he got a golden chance to equalize. However, the goal came in favour of the Malabarians. Sreekuttan, coming for Noufal, broke away after being put through by Sanchez. With a marker in front of him, Sreekuttan unleashed a right-footed dink from outside the box, the ball dipped over a full-stretch Shibinraj. It can be regarded as the best goal seen so far in the tournament

With the insurance goal in the bag, Gokulam Kerala FC did let the foot go off the pedal for a bit. Snatching the moment, Saurav Sadhukan, brought on late in the second half, almost made them pay twice with two opportunistic attempts. It was not to be and Gokulam ran away comfortable winners

Scorers:

Gokulam Kerala FC– 2 (Sourav 36’ Sreekuttan 67’)

Indian Air Force Football Team – 0

In the other match, Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC and I League side Delhi FC played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in a Group E fixture. Played at the SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar Dinesh Henjan netted for the Tribhuvan Army FC. On the other side Girish Khosla scored the equalizer late for Delhi FC. With the second draw of the tournament, Delhi FC book the top spot in Group E.

Although Nepal’s team had the game’s opening opportunity, Delhi FC had the upper hand in the first half. Sudil Rai was freed after a nice team play on the right side, but Delhi custodian Pawan Kumar made a good save at the near post. The side from Nepal relied on long passes to the forwards, although Delhi were better organised on the pitch. Bikesh Kuthu of Nepal made an outstanding save on the post to stop Himanshu Jangra’s free kick. In the last stretch, neither team displayed any creativity, which prevented there from being many obvious possibilities.

In the 39th minute, Tribhuvan Army took the lead thanks to an error by Delhi FC custodian Pawan Kumar. He mishandled a cross from Kamal Bahadur Thapa’s teammate Nawayug Shrestha of Nepal. Dinesh Henjan only needed to deflect the ball into the net after receiving the assist from him. After giving up, Delhi came back strongly and launched some well-coordinated attempts, but the Tribhuvan defence held on and stopped the threats to keep their lead at the break.

Fahad Temuri and Girik Khosla were added by Delhi FC head coach Surinder Singh to strengthen the offence. They set out to get an equaliser in the second half, but Tribhuvan was the one to make the first shot on goal. To maintain the score, they made Pawan Kumar make a double save. The Tribhuvan side was under constant pressure from Delhi, but the Nepali defence was well-organized and denied strikers Bali Gagandeep and Himanshu Jangra any room inside the box. This led the Delhi side to launch unconventional attacks, which had little success.

Before the hour mark, Girik Khosla misfired on an opportunity to equalise after a cross from Fahad Temuri. Tribhuvan Army continued to frustrate the Delhi FC attack with some impromptu defence, content to play on the counterattack. Under the bar, Bikesh Kuthu was also in excellent shape and made some excellent saves. In the 88th minute, Delhi FC ultimately defeated the tough Army team. From the left, Fahad Temuri sent in a low cross, which Kuntal Pakira, a substitute, received well. His shot deceived the keeper but hit the crossbar, and Girish Khosla tipped in the rebound. Despite Delhi FC’s best efforts, both clubs ended up with a point each.

Scorers:

Delhi FC– 1 (Girish 88’)

Tribhuvan Army FC – 1 (Dinesh 39’)

Double Header Tomorrow

Tomorrow at 3 PM, Hyderabad FC will face Chennaiyin FC in their second game of the season in a Group E contest at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar. Hyderabad and Delhi FC drew in their opening group game.

At 6 PM, the last group game for Group A will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharathi Krirangan between Punjab FC and Bangladesh Army. While Bangladesh Army fell to Mohun Bagan and drew with East Bengal, Punjab FC lost their opening game to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

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