Durand Cup 2023: Kerala Blasters FC 3 - 4 Gokulam Kerala FC at Full Time - Highlights
Gokulam Kerala FC beat Kerala Blasters 4-3 to win the first 'Kerala derby' in a Durand Cup Group C match.
Gokulam Kerala FC beat Kerala Blasters FC 4-3 in the maiden 'Kerala Derby' on Sunday to become overhelming favourites in the 2023 Durand Cup Group C. With this win, GKFC are on top of the table in group C with 6 points from 2 matches. Durand Cup 2023 Points Table
The first half saw four goals, three from Gokulam and one from Kerala Blasters. The second half began with a piledriver by Abhijit K which took Gokulam's lead to 4-1. But then, KBFC struck back with goals from Prabir Das and Adrien Luna to lead to an intense last 20 minutes. GKFC, however, held on to claim bragging rights of having won the first derby.
As it happened:
Last attack surely: KBFC loathe to put in the long ball. When they do finally, it's the worst of the day so far.
The referee blows his whistle as the clock reaches 99. Gokulam win 4-3. They are now overwhelming favourites to get into the quarters.
Two Gokulam players have gone down with cramps in different parts of the ground - probably to make the referee have to walk that much longer to tell them both to get on with it.
The 7 minutes of added time have now come to a close. Still, KBFC have failed to find that one goal. Now, they are at the referee's mercy.
Anticipation builds as Luna stands over a free kick just outside the box. Can he equalise for the second time today? No, he shoots at the skies. KBFC seem to have hit an invisible wall in their quest for an equaliser. Pritam Kotal has been stretchered off, Luna playing like a one-man-army in midfield as KBFC grow desperate for that one more goal.
Frustrating times for KBFC as there are some long injury breaks as normal time comes to a close.
7 minutes of added time.
Sourav makes a rare foray into the KBFC half with a pacy run.
At the other end, KBFC try to flood in the GKFC box still. But GKFC maintaining their shape much better with 2 points on the line if they concede another goal.
The captain makes up within 2 minutes! KBFC's attack now outnumbering Gokulam's defence in the box, much to the keeper's disgust. With 4 KBFC players in the box, it is Luna who finds space and taps in a goal.
KBFC 3-4 GKFC, it's game on!!!
Rahul KP sets up Bidyasagar Singh for one of the easiest chances he will have all season. But he misses! It was just the keeper to beat, but to the GKFC keeper's credit, he made himself as large as possible as Bidyasagar shot for the skies when the easiest thing seemed to score.
KBFC still searching...
KBFC controlling the game now. Danish Farooq, who has come on as a substitute, now tries a long ranger after Gokulam manage to clear a cross. It's relentless attacking from KBFC - surely there are more goals coming.
Can Gokulam hold on?
More threat from KBFC. Justine cuts in from the left and lets loose a long ranger. It's well directed, but just wide of the post. Some attacking changes made, and there's some more intensity from the KBFC bench too. 'Play', 'play', they shout.
Kerala Blasters have a goal! Prabir Das slides in to deflect a loose pass into goal. Not the prettiest goal, but KBFC will take it. Could they mount a comeback? A 6-goal thriller already, and we haven't even reached the hour-mark.
This is Prabir's first goal for KBFC. A veteran in the ISL, he will be happy to get his first goal in yellow out of the way.
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