Antwi’s penalty takes Gokulam Kerala FC to second place on Hero I-League table
KALYANI: Dennis Antwi’s 17th-minute penalty strike proved to be the difference between Gokulam Kerala FC and RoundGlass Punjab FC as the Malabarians trotted on to a slender 1-0 win at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani, West Bengal today (March 05, 2021), to go second in the Hero I-League table, level on points with third-place TRAU and six points behind league leaders Churchill Brothers.
Prior to proceedings kicking off, Punjab head coach Curtis Fleming was named Coach of the Month for February after his side picked up 13 out of a possible 15 points in an unbeaten run last month. Their goalkeeper Kiran Limbu was awarded the Player of the Month Trophy, courtesy of a number of stellar performances that saw him keep three clean sheets and pick up two Hero of the Match awards.
With vital points on the line for both contingents, the opening minutes of the match witnessed end-to-end stuff with both teams having a chance to take the lead. The first opportunity of the match fell to Dennis Antwi in the 8th minute when he latched onto a Mayakannan low-cross, however, his shot on the turn went inches wide of the goal.
For RoundGlass Punjab FC, it was Papa Diawara with a chance to put them ahead. In the 14th minute, Chencho Gyeltshen found Diawara inside the box with a swirling cross, but the forward failed to hit the target with his strike.
In the 16th minute, Saurabh Bhanwala brought down Dennis Antwi inside the box after the forward was trying to wriggle his way to create space. The referee pointed to the spot and Antwi coolly converted the penalty kick to hand the Malabarians a solitary goal lead.
The forward duo of Gokulam Kerala FC in Dennis Antwi and Philip Adjah gave problems to the RoundGlass Punjab FC defence and tried to double their team’s advantage before half-time. Meanwhile, Telem Suranjit Singh proved to be a handful for Gokulam defenders.
In the 33rd minute, Suranjit attempted a first-time volley but his effort was blocked. He tried to score on the turn from the loose ball but skewed his shot wide of the target. Four minutes later, Suranjit cut inside from the right flank and sent a curling shot which went just inches wide of the goal.
Kiran Limbu made a world-class save in added time at the end of the first half as he tipped over a Naocha Singh shot that seemed destined for the top corner, which ensured that Gokulam Kerala FC led by a solitary goal to nil at half-time.
RoundGlass Punjab FC lacked creativity up front in the first as well as the second half. And that proved to be fruitful for Gokulam Kerala FC as the Malabarians thwarted their attacks with ease while mounting their own. Though the Curtis Fleming-coached side dominated possession in the second half, they lacked in creating clear goalscoring chances.
In the 69th minute, Philip Adjah ran onto goal and tried to curl a shot into the back of the net from outside of the box. His effort came agonizingly close to doubling the Malabarians advantage. Two minutes later, Papa Diawara was found in a similar spot where he tried to twist and turn in an effort to create space. But, the Gokulam defence neutralized his threat.
Curtis Fleming made a tactical change in the 75th minute, bringing on forward Sumeet Passi for midfielder Souvik Das, in an attempt to grab points off the game. However, the chances fell to the other side. In the 80th minute, Dennis Antwi tried to find the back of the net from the edge of the box but his shot took a heavy deflection and went out for a corner kick.
RoundGlass Punjab FC tried to come back into the game and grab the equalizer. But, chances were rare and the Malabarians committed bodies in defence to see out the match. The full-time scoreline read 1-0 as Gokulam Kerala FC leapfrogged TRAU to go second on the Hero I-league table courtesy of a superior head-to-head record against the Manipuri side.
CREDITS: I-LEAGUE
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Goa and Mumbai end square in four-goal rally
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…