Defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC (GKFC) showed offensive football at Kalyani Stadium on Thursday, September 16, 2021 when he defeated Hyderabad FC 1-0 in the 130th Durand Cup Group D encounter. Ghanaian striker Rahim Osumanu scored the only goal for Gökulam.
Gokulam initiated the process with very positive intent. They played an offensive game from the start and built up some scoring opportunities. GKFC’s first big chance early in the first half was when Rahim Osumanu put the ball right in front of Hyderabad FC (HFC) goal but failed to get past goalkeeper Lalbiakhlua Jongte.
A few minutes later, GKFC had another golden opportunity thanks to a nice cross from Osumanu, but Emil Benny failed. Although Hyderabad had more possession, Gokulam had the better chances to score. Jongte did it well to keep it goalless at halftime.
In the second half, Gokulam picked up where they left off and made an immediate effect. Jongte made a great save, but Osumanu caught the ball in the rebound. He made no mistake and cracked the dead end in the 46th minute.
The game took another interesting turn a minute later when Emil Benny received his second yellow card from GKFC and received his marching orders, causing the Malabarians to drop a man.
A rejuvenated Hyderabad team kept all their guns alight for the final 30 minutes and played an offensive game. But GKFC goalkeeper Ajmal PA made sure he kept a clean sheet and scored 3 points for his side.
The captain of Gokulam Kerala and Afghan international Sharif M Mohammad was named Man of the Game for his all-round performance.
Tomorrow it will be a double-headed ball with Jamshedpur FC facing FC Goa and the Army Green Football Team facing two Group B games against Sudeva Delhi FC.
