Five-star Gokulam Kerala cruise past Indian Arrows
The reigning champions Gokulam Kerala on Saturday handed Indian Arrows their heaviest loss of the season and in the process reclaimed top position in the Hero I-League table, here, at the Kalyani Stadium. Ahmed Waseem Razeek, Sharif M Mohammad, Luka Majcen, Jithin M.S. and Thahir Zaman were on target for Gokulam as they humbled Indian Arrows 5-0.
With their high-pressing, the Indian Arrows got off to a fast start. They also did well in the early stages of the game by denying their opponents any time on the ball. In the sixth minute, Sharif Mohammad attempted to generate an opportunity for his team by blasting a free-kick toward Aminou Bouba, but the Cameroonian was unable to keep the ball in play.
Lalchhanhima Sailo created an early opportunity for Shanmugam Venkatesh’s side by setting up Satendra Yadav with a sneaky pass but the latter’s effort sailed wide.
Waseem Razeek netted his first goal for Malabarians just nine minutes after making his debut as Gokulam Kerala went one up. Luka Majcen set up the ball for the Sri Lankan after seeing him inside the area and Razeek did not make any errors as he smashed the ball across the goal line.
Arrows boosted their effort in the midfield after conceding the first goal as Sibajit Singh tried his luck from beyond the box in the 13th minute, but his shot flew over the bar.
Although they were up, Gokulam Kerala continued to generate chances in search of their second goal. Razeek attempted to set up Emil Benny with a ball in the 20th minute, but the latter was unable to connect with the ball, and it went for a goal kick.
Emil Benny made another run four minutes later, skipping by the Indian Arrows defence before attempting a low shot that went wide. After a foul challenge by Sailo, Majcen got a penalty in the 26th minute. Syed Zahid managed to save Gokulam Kerala skipper Sharif Mohammad’s spot-kick with an outstretched foot but the Afghan doubled the advantage after putting in the rebound of his penalty.
Four minutes later, Majcen made it 3-0. The Slovenian was set up by Razeek with a brilliant through ball for his ninth goal this season.
Mohammed Jasim set up Majcen with a wonderful ball from his corner a few minutes later, but the attacker missed a chance.
After going 3-0 up, Gokulam coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese chose to put his bench strength to the test by bringing on Rishad and Zodingliana for Muhammed Uvais and Sharif M Mohammad in the 37th minute.
The second half began with Gokulam winger Jithin MS trying his luck in the 53rd minute as he ran with the ball from the halfway line to the Arrows box but failed in beating rival goalkeeper Syed Zahid who made an easy save.
Indian Arrows players created a perfect play as the hour marked near with their intricate passing. They ran with the ball from the backline and managed to reach Parthib Gogoi in the attacking third but he misplaced the final ball.
Indian Arrows controlled the play better in the second half but despite the ball possessions they were not able to take many shots and had no shots on target till the 61st minute. Defender Raj Basfore attempted a header in the 63rd minute after receiving a lofted free-kick inside the area from Parthib Gogoi but he was off the target.
Gogoi had a chance to reduce the lead in the 66th minute but his grounded effort went wide as Indian Arrows continued to look for their consolation goal.
Jithin smashed the fourth goal for Gokulam in the 72nd minute after being set by Majcen. Six minutes later, he ran past Indian Arrows’ defence on the left wing before swinging a high cross, which went above everyone.
Lalchhanhima Sailo almost pulled one back for his side in the 79th minute as he tried to curl in a dipping shot into the top corner from outside the box but it went over the bar.
Thahir Zaman scored the fifth goal of the match to all but seal Indian Arrows’ fate. Substitute Sreekuttan set him up with the ball with a low cross from the left flank and he did well to tap the ball into the net from point-blank range.
FT: Gokulam Kerala FC (Ahmed Waseem Razeek 9’, Sharif M Mohammad 28’, Luka Majcen 32’, Jithin M.S. 72’, Thahir Zaman 80’) 5-0 Indian Arrows
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Cagey affair between TRAU and Sudeva Delhi ends in draw
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…