Malabarians hold former Malaysian champions for draw

Gokulam Kerala FC held two-time Malaysian Premier League champions Terengganu FC for a goalless draw, 0-0, in the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup played at MA Aziz Stadium here on Thursday.

With the result, Gokulam Kerala FC are second in the group ‘B’ with four points. The Malaysian club is in the first position by virtue of better goal difference. They had won their opening match against Chennai City FC, 5-3.

Gokulam Kerala FC were the better team in both the halves. The Kerala team created five shots on target while Terengganu FC were able to muster only one. The Gokulam defenders played their hearts out to keep the TFC attacks at bay.

Gokulam started the match with their captain Marcus Joseph on bench as he had just returned from international duty. Henry Kisekka, who starred in the opening matches with a brace, called the shots for GKFC.

The Ugandan striker had the first chance on goal as he won the ball in the box but his weighed shot was punched away by the Malaysian goalie. That was the lone chance for both the teams in the first half.

Nathaniel Garcia almost scored for the Malabarians at the start of the second half but the Trinidadian and Tobago’s deflected free-kick was somehow rescued by the Malaysian goalie. Henry also had another shot on goal, forcing the goalie an acrobatic save.

Gokulam head coach Fernando Santiago Varela finally brought in Marcus Joseph to break the deadlock. His arrival had instant impact as he almost scored in two consecutive attempts but was again denied by the custodian.

TFC also tried to pull a late winner but the Gokulam defensive trio of Ravanan, Andre and Irshad held their composure.

Gokulam Kerala FC will lock horns with I-League champions Chennai City on October 26. Chennai City FC have lost all the group matches so far and has been knocked out from the tourney.