Gokulam Kerala handed a 1-0 defeat to Churchill Brothers in their I-League 2022-23 match at the Payyanad Stadium on Sunday. Gokulam Kerala won a game where Churchill Brothers had an attacking edge over the former. The defensive line led by captain Aminou Bouba helped Gokulam Kerala register the win. The debutant Sergio Mendigutxia scored the second-half goal.
Both teams were close in the initial minutes of the game. Churchill’s Spanish magician Tana went close in the fourth minute following a cross from Lamgoulen Hangshing. However, Churchill skied the shot. Moments later, Gokulam’s Noufal crossed it to Sergio Mendigutxia, who headed it wide.
💯 @GokulamKeralaFC earn crucial win against @Churchill_Goa
Match report ✍️ https://t.co/UGX5toxbaJ#GKFCCB ⚔️ #HeroILeague 🏆 #TogetherWeRise 🤝 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/QE5GihSHO6
— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) January 8, 2023
After enjoying a dominating position for the majority of the first half, the Churchill Brothers lost control of the proceedings. Five minutes into the second period, Gomes was again called into action, and the goalkeeper pulled an easy save. He collected the ball comfortably after a shot from outside the box by Gokulam’s Rahul Raju.
The scores remained deadlocked, however, within just minutes after coming onto the pitch, the Churchill substitute Chaitan Komarpant almost scored the first goal. Chaitan belted a powerful shot from 30 yards out, but his strike was met by an outstretched Bilal Khan, who saved the shot at the expense of a corner.
Mendigutxia then broke the deadlock. Gokulam’s Farshad Noor shot the ball to the Spanish striker. The Spanish striker then linked up with Sreekuttan V.S, before rolling the ball past the goalkeeper.
-- Advertisement --The Gokulam defense, thereafter, stood upright to see out the game in the final minutes. Following the victory, Gokulam Kerala climbed to the third spot on the table.
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