Sourav and Sreekuttan scored on either side of the half as the IAF could not match up to the Malabarians
Former champion Gokulam Kerala FC started thier campaign on a winning note as it downed the Indian Air Force Football Team 2-0 in a group C league match of the 132nd Durand Cup, at the Kishore Bharati Stadium.
Sourav scored the lung opener late in the first half before Sreekuttan V.S. arrived as a substitute after the break to seal the issue for the Malabarians with a spectacular finishing midway through the second half.
First-Half
Gokulam Kerala FC have made a promising start and they take the first shot from Sourav, who blazes his shot over though. Nili Perdomo takes a direct kick but the ball balloons over the goal post for a goal kick.
Sourav made a brilliant run and beat three IAF players and found Alex Sanchez. But Nili Perdomo blazes his shot over as the danger clears for Indian Air Force.
A decent cross from Noufal from the left-hand side, but Sourav tries a volley and then meets it horribly wrong as the ball ends up way off target.
Gokulam Kerala were yet to find the breakthrough as 25 minutes were played.
Noufal switches the ball to the right side and Bouba comes forward, but the IAF defense has been shutting them down. Gokulam had overwhelming possession, but they aren’t finding anything in front of goal.
Sourav Scores at the 37 minute, Gokulam Kerala take the lead and was a gift to them. Shibin, the IAF keeper makes a howler and a seemingly tame shot from Sourav ends up at the back of the net.
After awhile Gokulam could have scored again. Alex Sanchez came inside from the left hand side and his attempt to finish on the near post is just wide.
Second-Half
Nili Perdomo makes a fantastic run for Gokulam, but his cut back towards Alex Sanchez is crucially intercepted by IAF defender Amal Dhas.
Sourav tries to produce another magic moment for Gokulam Kerala but Indian Air Force defenders have been solid at the back.
At the 68 minute,Shreekuttan made 2-0 for the team, he cuts in and curls one past Shibin to double the Gokulam lead.
During the 74 minute,It has been mostly a quiet affair between the two sides. Indian Air Force have never really threatened, while Gokulam have also lacked consistent attacking prowess.
But in the 87 minute,Indian Air Force create a chance but the shot is saved by Tmawia.
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