Kalyani, Dec 26: Defending champions Gokulam Kerala began their I-League title defence with a 1–0 win over last season’s runners-up Churchill Brothers here on Sunday.
Gokulam Kerala skipper Sharif Mohammad scored the solitary goal of the match from the penalty spot early in the first half.
Both teams made a nervy start to the game as they employed direct attacking football by way of long balls at opponents’ citadel. The Malabarians found the breakthrough after being awarded a penalty in the 16th minute.
As the pacy Ngangom Ronald Singh skilfully surged with the ball into the Churchill Brothers box, he was brought down by Lebanese Shadi Skaf.
Skipper Sharif Mohammad stepped up to take the resultant spot kick and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to give Gokulam the advantage.
Churchill Brothers’ first big chance of the game fell in the way of Bryce Miranda in the 21st minute, when Brazilian Guilherme Dos Santos sent Miranda in the clear. Miranda’s shot was, however, saved brilliantly by Gokulam goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar.
Meanwhile, Roundglass Punjab got off to the perfect start to the season with a 2-0 win over Rajasthan FC. Kurtis Guthrie (27′) and Aphaoba Singh Ashangbam (90′) were the scorers. For Rajasthan, CK Vineeth was shown a red card.
Punjab FC began their I-League campaign with a 2-0 win over debutants Rajasthan United who were left with just nine men following a confusion in the registration of amateur players.
Kurtis Guthrie headed the ball over the goalkeeper to give Punjab FC the lead in the 27th minute. Punjab found their second goal in the 90th minute through Aphaoba Ashangbam. (PTI)
