GKFC crush Indian Arrows; TRAU, Sudeva Delhi share spoils in I-League

With his goal today Luka Majcen reaches a total of nine goals in the competition.

The reigning champions Gokulam Kerala on Saturday handed Indian Arrows their heaviest loss of the season and in the process reclaimed top position in the Hero I-League table, here, at the Kalyani Stadium. Ahmed Waseem Razeek, Sharif M Mohammad, Luka Majcen, Jithin M.S. and Thahir Zaman were on target for Gokulam as they humbled Indian Arrows 5-0.

With their high-pressing, the Indian Arrows got off to a fast start. They also did well in the early stages of the game by denying their opponents any time on the ball. In the sixth minute, Sharif Mohammad attempted to generate an opportunity for his team by blasting a free-kick toward Aminou Bouba, but the Cameroonian was unable to keep the ball in play.

Lalchhanhima Sailo created an early opportunity for Shanmugam Venkatesh’s side by setting up Satendra Yadav with a sneaky pass but the latter’s effort sailed wide.

Waseem Razeek netted his first goal for Malabarians just nine minutes after making his debut as Gokulam Kerala went one up. Luka Majcen set up the ball for the Sri Lankan after seeing him inside the area and Razeek did not make any errors as he smashed the ball across the goal line.

Emil Benny made another run four minutes later, skipping by the Indian Arrows defence before attempting a low shot that went wide. After a foul challenge by Sailo, Majcen got a penalty in the 26th minute. Syed Zahid managed to save Gokulam Kerala skipper Sharif Mohammad’s spot-kick with an outstretched foot but the Afghan doubled the advantage after putting in the rebound of his penalty.

Four minutes later, Majcen made it 3-0. The Slovenian was set up by Razeek with a brilliant through ball for his ninth goal this season.

Mohammed Jasim set up Majcen with a wonderful ball from his corner a few minutes later, but the attacker missed a chance in th I-League encounter.

After going 3-0 up, Gokulam coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese chose to put his bench strength to the test by bringing on Rishad and Zodingliana for Muhammed Uvais and Sharif M Mohammad in the 37th minute.

Jithin smashed the fourth goal for Gokulam in the 72nd minute after being set by Majcen. Six minutes later, he ran past Indian Arrows’ defence on the left wing before swinging a high cross, which went above everyone.

Lalchhanhima Sailo almost pulled one back for his side in the 79th minute as he tried to curl in a dipping shot into the top corner from outside the box but it went over the bar.

Thahir Zaman scored the fifth goal of the match to all but seal Indian Arrows’ fate. Substitute Sreekuttan set him up with the ball with a low cross from the left flank and he did well to tap the ball into the net from point-blank range.

TRAU, Sudeva play out goalless draw

Match number 61 of the Hero I-League 2021-22 season between Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU FC) and Sudeva Delhi FC ended in a goalless draw in the Naihati Stadium on Saturday. Neither side would be too happy with the result in the context of their chase for a Top 7 finish.

Chances were few and far between for either side over the course of the 90 minutes. The game was characterised by an intense physical battle between both sides and resolute defending which saw both defences blunt the attacking edge of their opposition on the day.

At the end, a point each was a fair result for both sides as a tussle for the balance of power on the pitch saw TRAU and Sudeva Delhi cancel each other out in the I-League encounter.

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