Gokulam Kerala equal Hero I-League unbeaten record, remain top going into Phase II
RoundGlass Punjab FC (Aminou Bouba 48’ O.G.)
lost to
Gokulam Kerala FC (Aminou Bouba 13’, Luca Majcen 63’, Joseph Yarney 73’ O.G.)
Gokulam Kerala FC equalled the longest unbeaten streak of 17 games in the Hero I-League to end Phase-1 on top of the table by easing past RoundGlass Punjab FC 3-1, here at the Kalyani Stadium.
In equalling Churchill Brothers’ record set 12 years ago, Gokulam Kerala FC had Aminou Bouba’s pinpoint header, Luca Majcen’s clean finish and an own goal by Joseph Yarney help them swell their points to 30. RoundGlass Punjab had their consolation come off an own goal scored by Aminou to remain in third position with 23 points after their third loss.
Both teams approached this game on an aggressive note. RoundGlass Punjab did the early running from the left. Travis Major, pushing himself deep, had a timely and bold tackle by Gokulam Kerala defender Mohammed Jasim to clear the ball for a corner-kick.
It did not take much time for Gokulum Kerala to make their presence felt with an attempt on goal. Jithin MS found himself on the top of the box and with a clear look on goal only to have his attempt go over.
RoundGlass Punjab at the other end had Major try from the left to test goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar with a maximum stretch to keep the ball out at the second post.
Ten minutes into the game and the best chance fell to Gokulam Kerala as Muhammad Uvais, from the left, switched the width of the ground to find Emil Benny inside the box and in the clear and the later controlled the ball and had a go only to have the try get cleared off the goal line.
Luck once again deserted Gokulam as they were denied by yet another goal line save. This time Jourdain Ronaldo Fletcher’s effort was cleared off the line for a corner kick.
The resultant corner kick gave the breakthrough for the Kerala side. Defender Aminou Bouba rose high over a couple of defenders to connect his header past Jaspreet Singh resulting in Gokulam Kerala FC taking the lead.
Gokulam Kerala pushed forward with counter-attacks which unsettled the opponents. Luka Majcen on one occasion weaved through the defence and proved to be a handfull for RoundGlass Punjab, which ended up in Freddy Lallawmawma tackle him in a desperate attempt and earn the first yellow card of the match.
Punjab, who occupied the midfield for most of the session thereafter had a few half attempts come by. Kurtis Guthrie, meanwhile, had his cross from the left dangerously floated into the Gokulam box, however goalscorer Aminou Bouba used his height to brilliantly head away.
Punjab opened the second half with two back-to-back attempts by Guthrie. First, Major pushed deep into the box and chipped for Guthrie who ended up missing from close range. Almost immediately, Guthrie was left furious when his effort was cleared by the defenders once again resulting in a corner kick.
RoundGlass Punjab profited from the corner kick and levelled scores, earning an own goal as Bouba Aminou, missing sight and direction, ended up heading into his own goal off a Kean Lewis corner kick to make it 1-1.
Against the run of play, Gokulam Kerala from a counter-attack took the lead. Fletcher, gaining the ball from Freddy, powered on with an opportunity he did not want to let go. Keeping possession all through in the one-to-one run, he gently switched to Majcen who drove past Jaspreet Singh for his 13th goal of the season to make it 2-1 for Gokulam Kerala.
Gokulam Kerala doubled the advantage through an own goal to make it 3-1. A free kick earned on the right, had Bouba, at the second post rise and connect. The attempt was good enough to create confusion in a melee that ensued. What resulted thereafter was defender Joseph Yarney slicing the ball home leaving goalkeeper Jaspreet no chance.
Credits: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Sports Odisha, Indian Arrows share points with a goalless draw
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
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…
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 / 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…
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…
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…
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…