Kenkre FC humbled 6-2 by defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC

by Aryalok Maithilesh March 12, 2022

Sign of positivity for Kenkre as the substitutes offered some late fight back during the humbling defeat against defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC.

Coach Akhil Kothari made as many as 5 changes to the starting lineup which lost to RG Punjab FC on Wednesday as Sooraj Negi, Rohlupuia, Yash Mhatre, Arvindraj Rajan, and Daniel Gomes all made it to the starting lineup.

The game began with Kenkre FC Goalkeeper Tenzin called into action early on, a defensive error allowed Gokulam forward Jithin to take a shot from inside the box only to find an alert Tenzin punching it away. The ball went only as far as Fletcher whose first-time shot was once again saved by Tenzin. However, the third time was the charm for Gokulam as the second save graciously fell to Luka Majcen, whose calm finish helped the southern side take the early lead.

The defending champions continued their onslaught over the inexperienced Kenkre side with 2 quick goals in the 17th and 19th minutes through Jithin and Tahir Zaman. In the 24th minute, Tenzin made a brilliant save to deny Emil adding to the Malabarians tally. Kenkre soon settled into the game as they started holding their defensive setup better. Both sides entered into the break with Gokulam Kerala taking a 3-0 lead.

In the second half, Gokulam started off the blocks quickly as the Slovenian Luca Majcen took advantage of a defensive mix-up to slot home the 4^th goal of the game. With the game slipping away, Coach Kothari decided to ring in changes bringing in the experienced Lester Fernandes into the game. Lester’s arrival on the pitch did calm things around as the veteran started controlling the midfield and administer his teammates.

In the 70th minute, Akeraj Martins was brought on by Coach Akhil Kothari and it immediately paid off as the substitutes Lester and Martin combined well to score a consolation goal. Lester’s brilliant through ball found Akeraj in space, whose shot from the edge of the box found the top left corner of the net.

As the game-worn out and players started tiring, a late surge from Gokulam attackers allowed Luka Majcen to complete his hat-trick before Muhammed Uvais added the sixth goal for Gokulam Kerala.

In the 90+6th minute of the game, Kenkre earned a free kick from 30 yards out. An experienced Lester showed his class as he stepped up to find the back of the net from a tight angle.

The referee blew the final whistle in the 90+7th minute as the game ended in a 6-2 loss for Kenkre FC.

Kenkre FC will face TRAU FC in the next match.

FT: Gokulam Kerala FC 6-2 Kenkre FC

Credits – Kenkre FC Media

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