Preview: High-flying Gokulam Kerala face Maldivian champions Maziya

After beating ATK Mohun Bagan in their first match, the Malabarians will want to keep extending the winning momentum.

After a resounding 4-2 victory over Indian Super League (ISL) giants and Group D favourites ATK Mohun Bagan, Gokulam Kerala face Maziya S&RC in their second-round match of the AFC Cup. With goals from ever-reliant Luka Majcen (2), Rishad and Jithin, Gokulam Kerala spoiled the party of their more illustrious rivals. As they go up against the Maldivian Premier League champions, their fans will expect a similar performance.

Maziya’s AFC Cup woes continued in their opening match with a narrow loss to Dhaka-based Bashundhara Kings. Though Bashundhara were favourites, Maziya failed to take inspiration from the Malabarians. They will want to put up a solid performance against Gokulam Kerala as they look for their first few points in the group stage.

Let us take a look at the teams ahead of their AFC Cup 2022 group encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday (May 21).

Maziya S&RC vs Gokulam Kerala: The Stakes

With three points already in the bag, the Malabarians are strong contenders for bagging the solitary spot from group D. A win against Maziya S&RC will see them get more wind in their sails as they consolidate their lead as group toppers. Goal difference is another positive area as they have scored for times in one game and have a +2 tally. 

Maziya S&RC’s slender 1-0 loss to Bashundhara Kings has left them in third place above ATK Mohun Bagan. A win may take them to the second spot if ATKMB beat Bashundhara but a draw or loss will leave a lot to chance.  

Gokulam Kerala have already undone the script as they beat ATK Mohun Bagan to rewrite history. That victory would have tasted sweeter than their second successive I-League crown within the last week. Vincenzo Annese’s side will want to keep up their work as he suggested that they will “start again” in his last post-match press conference.

Maziya S&RC vs Gokulam Kerala: Team News

Gokulam Kerala have a completely match-fit squad available for selection. Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese will want to start his strongest eleven as he hopes for another victory.

Maziya S&RC have a fully fit roster available for the next game. Hassan Naiz and Hamza Mohamed were withdrawn in the later stages of their game against Bashundhara Kings. However, the duo do not have any fitness issues and are fit for the upcoming fixture.

Maziya S&RC vs Gokulam Kerala: Head-to-Head

This will be their first-ever meeting and both clubs will be desperate to start on a winning note. Having only just had their debut appearance in this competition, Gokulam Kerala will be eager to maintain their run.

Maziya S&RC vs Gokulam Kerala: Probable Line-ups

Maziya S&RC: Kiran Kumar Limbu (GK); Shifaz Hassan, Ali Samooh, Nemanja Kartal (C), Haisham Hassan; Hussain Nihan, Ibrahim Aisham; Hassan Naiz, Tana, Hamzah Mohamed; Cornelius Stewart.

Gokulam Kerala FC: Rakshit Dagar (GK); Muhammed Uvais, Aminou Bouba, Alex Saji, Mohammed Jassim; Sharif Mukhammad (C), Emil Benny, Rishad; Jithin MS, Jourdain Fletcher, Luka Majcen.

Maziya S&RC vs Gokulam Kerala: Players To Watch

Cornelius Stewart (Maziya S&RC)

Maziya S&RC’s poacher Cornelius Stewart has not exactly been able to emulate his league form in the AFC Cup. Despite having the same number of shots on target as their opponent, Maziya could not score. Stewart will be gutted at not being able to retain his composure during the same and will want to show off his skills against the Malabarians.

Blessed with bundles of pace even at 32 years of age, the right-footed versatile forward has the potential to trouble Gokulam Kerala. Gokulam conceded two goals against ATK Mohun Bagan from set-pieces but the likes of Roy Krishna, Joni Kauko, and David Williams missed a lot of gilt-edged chances. Especially during the opening stages of the game, Rakshit Dagar’s nerviness seemed to get the better of him. If Maziya S&RC do prey on those and make their chances count, Stewart can surely make Gokulam pay for their lapses.

Luka Majcen (Gokulam Kerala)

Ever since his arrival from FC Bengaluru United, the Slovenian hitman has been phenomenal for his side in the I-League. His rich vein of form continued in the AFC Cup as his predatory movement and ruthless finishing earned him a brace in the opener against ATK Mohun Bagan. Both of his goals came due to his intelligent positioning and that will be vital against the Dhivehi Premier League champions.

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Maziya conceded their opening loss due to a lone goal from Bashundhara’s Gambian striker Nuha Marong. If their struggle with his physicality and positioning is anything to go by, then Majcen might have the time of his life in this game. Despite being the lone striker for his team, the other forwards in Fletcher, Zaman and Jithin often played hold-up decoys. As they drew in defenders, the Slovenian made some excellent runs, and replicating the same would surely produce key goalscoring moments against Maziya.

Did You Know?

• Gokulam Kerala maintained their cup competition run over Mohun Bagan after the 2-1 victory in the 2019 Durand Cup Final.
• This will be Maziya S&RC’s seventh campaign in the AFC Cup competition.
• Maziya S&RC, despite having more experience in the competition than Gokulam Kerala, have never made it past the group stages.

Telecast

The match will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium on 21 May 2022. It will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Hotstar and JioTV. The kick-off is at 8:30 pm.

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