KOLKATA: Defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC began their Hero I-League title defence in solid fashion with a 1 - 0 win over last season's runners-up Churchill Brothers at the Kalyani Stadium here on Sunday.
Gokulam Kerala skipper Sharif Mohammad scored the solitary goal of the match from the penalty spot early in the first half.
Gokulam Kerala nearly doubled their lead in added time in the first half. Midfielder Thahir Zaman produced a fantastic snapshot from an angle which beat Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Shilton Paul, but he was denied by the woodwork.
Both teams made a nervy start to the game as they cancelled each other out in the opening exchanges of the game. As each team began to grow into the contest, their intentions were laid bare as both Gokulam Kerala and Churchill Brothers looked for a direct attacking threat by way of long balls behind the opponent's last line of defence.
In a game of few chances in the second half, Gokulam Kerala continued to defend well and maintained their one goal advantage, keeping a clean sheet in the process and opening their Hero I-League 2021/22 campaign with a precious three points.
Gokulam Kerala will come up against Neroca FC in their next match on December 30, while Churchill Brothers will look to get their campaign on track against Roundglass Punjab FC on December 31.
Indian Arrows, started with a 4-4-2 set-up with skipper Parthib Gogoi leading the attacking troops while TRAU, who had finished in the third position last year, started with a 4-3-3 attacking set-up with Krishnananda Singh and Joseph Olaleye in the front line.
TRAU will next face Sreenidhi Deccan FC on December 30 while Indian Arrows will take on Sudeva Delhi FC on December 31. IANS
Also Read: Gujarat Giants hold Dabang Delhi KC
Also Watch: