Durand Cup 2019: Giant killers Gokulam Kerala defeats Mohun Bagan to win the title

Giant killers Gokulam Kerala defeated Mohun Bagan 2-1 to win the title of the Durand Cup this season. It was captain Marcus Joseph who gave the Kerala side a lead in the first half of the game. The Mariners, however, looked forward to changing gears within the first few minutes. The Bagan defence most seemed have gone to sleep in the last few minutes. With already one goal pocketed in the early half of the first set, GKFC players struggled to be more clinical with their finishing. Kerala certainly could have afforded to have at least two clear-cut chances but failed to convert. 

The Mariners began the second half on a rather competitive note, but soon saw off a gritty challenge from the Marcus-spearheaded Kerala side. Naocha Singh came up with a brilliant through pass to find his skipper and Marcus, who took care of rest of the business by scoring a quick goal in the 51st minute of the game. Mohun Bagan tried to consolidate the team, and attack right from the first minute of the second half, but not without any prolific result. Gurjinder Kumar’s side had better possession, more shots, more shots on target and more successful passes but Kerala enjoyed the lead. But Kerala’s joy was short-lived, as the Mariners scripted a stunning turnaround in the 64th minute with a straight shot by Salva Chamorro towards a helpless CK Ubaid. Gokulam kept on holding their narrow lead as the green and maroon brigade missed out on a couple of chances.

In 2017-18, although Gokulam Kerala FC did not have a good beginning as it was their first I-league season, they went on to defeat big clubs like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Minerva Punjab by the end of the season. Mohun Bagan took on a string of attacks with Gokulam FC hitting back on multiple occasions. It was already the 68th minute of the game when striker Henry Kisseka failed to convert a brilliant cross into a goal. Gokulam Kerala suffered a major setback in the game as Jestin received a second yellow card for a terrible tackle on Kima. Mohun Bagan certainly looked for an equaliser, but Kerala's Marcus Joseph had the last laugh.