Kolkata: Gokulam Kerala emerged victorious against Kerala Blasters with a scoreline of 4-3 in the first-ever national-level Kerala derby held at the Mohun Bagan ground in Kolkata on Sunday. The Group C game of the 132nd Durand Cup showcased a riveting encounter between the two teams.
The match saw an impressive performance from Gokulam Kerala, with Bouba Aminou, Abhijith, and Alejandro Sanchez Lopez finding the net, along with an own goal from Noacha Singh. These efforts secured a hard-fought victory for the Malabarians against the determined Manjappada.
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Right from the kickoff, the game exhibited a high-paced tempo, with Kerala Blasters attempting quick passing countered by Gokulam’s intense high pressing strategy. Within the opening 10 minutes, challenges were fierce as both teams denied their opponents any extra time on the ball.
In the 17th minute, Bouba Aminou capitalized on a corner opportunity to head Gokulam Kerala into the lead. Kerala Blasters responded with fervor, and in the 35th minute, Justine Emmanuel netted a goal to equalize.
However, Gokulam Kerala remained resilient and regained the lead in the 35th minute as Sreekuttan capitalized on a fast break, assisted by Alejandro Sanchez Lopez. Just before halftime, an own goal from Noacha Singh increased Gokulam’s advantage.
The second half maintained the game’s intensity. Abhijith’s long-distance strike in the 48th minute extended Gokulam’s lead to 4-1, countered by Prabir Das’s goal for Kerala Blasters in the 54th minute.
As both teams made tactical changes, the match became more open, leading to additional goals. Luna’s late goal for Kerala Blasters in the 76th minute brought the score to 4-3.
The latter part of the game turned scrappy, with heated tackles and challenges. Despite the tense closing moments, Gokulam Kerala held on to their lead, securing a memorable victory in this highly anticipated encounter.
