Kolkata, December 14: Gokulam Kerala FC forwards missed a slew of chances as Mohammedan SC clung to a ninth-minute penalty to salvage a 1-0 win and send Malabarians out of IFA Shield in the quarterfinal at Kalyani Stadium on Monday.
For Gokulam Kerala FC, captain Mohammed Awal missed a penalty in the 23 rd minute followed by open chances by Shibil. To add to Gokulam’s miseries, defender Deepak Devrani and goalkeeper CK ubaid were shown a red card in the second half .
Gokulam started the match on a positive note but it was Mohammedan’s that was able to capitalise against the run of the play. In the 9 th minute, referee pointed to the spot after a tackle on Philip Adjab by Ubaid. The Mohammedan foreigner was racing towards goal on a counter when Ubaid came forward and tried to stop the attack.
GKFC responded well by some swift attacks and it was Jithin MS, who tormented Mohammedan’s defenders most of the time. He was instrumental in Gokulam’s penalty as he dribbled past a couple of defenders and took the shot on target, only to be denied by a handball by one of Mohammedan defenders.
GKFC captain Muhammed Awal stepped up to take the kick but the Ghanaian international send the ball flying high. GKFC continued to create several chances and at the strike of first half, Shibil almost equalized. Shibil, who had an open net to score, was not able to convert a beautiful cross from Dennis from left.
GKFC’s Italian head coach brought in Malian forward Saliou Guindo to give more attacking intent in the second half but Malabarians were dealt a blow when defender Deepak Devrani was given a red card.
Soon after, CK Ubaid was also shown a red card for alleged handball outside the box to bow out Malabarians from the tournament.
Results: Mohammedan SC 1 (Thirthankar Sankar 9’ P) bt Gokulam Kerala FC 0
