Gokulam Kerala FC become first team to win back-to-back Hero I-League titles

AIFF Media Crew

&#13

KOLKATA: Gokulam Kerala held onto their nerves and established record by getting to be the initial-at any time facet to earn two successive Hero I-League titles immediately after their acquire versus Mohammedan SC, listed here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium tonight. A narrow 2-1 victory on hostile territory saw the Malabarians win the video game and win the title with a 6 issue benefit, also ending Mohammedan’s seven-video game unbeaten streak in the method.

&#13

Mohammedan desired a get to lift the title while Gokulam necessary a draw at least to get their hands on the trophy. The stadium stuffed up as enthusiasts of the Black and White Brigade ended up buzzing and backing their team to assault. Building on the morale boosting aid, Mohammedan dominated the possession in the initial 50 % though Gokulam appeared content material seeking their luck on the counter.

&#13

The only exertion on target in the first 50 percent arrived from an Andelo Rudovic freekick. The Bosnian’s energy was curling absent from Rakshit Dagar but lacked ability. As a consequence, the Gokulam shot-stopper palmed it absent to protection. At the other finish, Zothanmawia just about committed a large blunder as he came charging out virtually in the direction of the middle 3rd to cease Jourdain Fletcher on the counter. The Jamaican defeat the keeper but unsuccessful to hold his very long-ranger on concentrate on.

&#13

All the ambitions came in the second 50 %, in the span of eleven minutes. Four minutes into the next-50 %, the deadlock was damaged as Rishad came pacing down the center and built his complete glance effortless as he slotted it earlier Zothanmawia to give his aspect a very important direct. Seven minutes later on, Marcus Joseph’s freekick picked up a significant deflection off Azharuddin Mallick and hit the again of the web.

&#13

Mohammedan required an additional aim for the title but the third and last aim of the match was netted by the Malabarians. Just four minutes right after the equaliser, Luka Majcen performed Emil Benny through on intention and Benny replicated the end for the 1st aim as Gokulam led and held on to the advantage until the total-time whistle.

&#13

Gokulam did not just come to be the first workforce to earn back-to-back again Hero I-League titles. The Malabarians also additional a different feather to the cap of Kerala soccer. Before this month, in a equivalent experience, Kerala defeated Bengal on penalties to win the 75th Hero Santosh Trophy in their possess backyard. Two victories that are guaranteed to encourage the currently prospering grassroot soccer in the point out.

&#13

The winners of the Hero I-League will get a prize sum of INR 1 Crore, although the second, third and fourth-placed groups in the desk will get a sum of Rs 60Lakhs, 40Lakhs, and 25lakhs respectively. The listing of the individual awards along with the prize dollars follows down below.

&#13

Best aim scorer (Rs 2.5 lakhs) – Marcus Joseph (Mohammedan SC)

&#13

Hero Moto Corp Most effective goalkeeper (Rs 2.5 lakhs) – Bhaskar Roy (Rajasthan United)

&#13

Hero Moto Corp Jarnail Singh Award for most effective defender (Rs 2.5 lakhs) – Bouba Aminou (Gokulam Kerala FC)

&#13

Best midfielder (Rs 2.5 lakhs)– Jithin MS (Gokulam Kerala FC)

&#13

Finest rising player (U-22) (Rs 2.5 lakhs) – Jiteshwor Singh (Neroca FC)

&#13

Syed Abdul Rahim Award for finest coach – Vincenzo Annese (Gokulam Kerala FC)

&#13

Hero Moto Corp Hero of the league (Rs 5 lakhs) – Marcus Joseph (Mohammedan SC)

&#13

Scores: Gokulam Kerala FC – 2 (Rashid 49′, Emil Benny 60′) Conquer Mohammedan SC – 1 (Azharuddin Mallick 56′)