Mumbai, Dec 4: Mumbai’s Kenkre FC played out a 1-1 draw with Gokulam Kerala FC in their fifth-round fixture at the I-League here on Sunday.
An early first-half tap-in goal by Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte was cancelled out by a second-half strike from Shijin Thadhayouse as the hosts held the two-time champions to a draw at the Cooperage Stadium.
Gokulam Kerala are now fifth in the league table with eight points from five games, while Mumbai Kenkre now have five points from as many matches and sit in ninth place.
Kenkre FC had a dream start as they shot into the lead just three minutes into the game.
In an attempt to block a cross from Al Azhar Delhiwala, Gokulam’s Rahul Raju handled the ball giving a free kick to Kenkre.
The Gokulam defence failed to clear Azfar Noorani’s free-kick, which found its way to Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte in the six-yard box, who tapped into an open goal.
Building from the back, the defending champions slowly grew into the game. Midway through the first half, Gokulam started putting pressure on the home defence.
However, Kenkre, who adapted to a counter-attacking game, remained effective in their strategy. (PTI)
