Gokulam Kerala reach semifinals beating Chennai City

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 26 (UNB): Sree Gokulam Kerala FC smartly reached the semifinal of the 3rd edition Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup Football Tournament as the unbeaten champions of Group B eliminating Chennai City FC by 2-0 goals in their last group match at the flood-lit MA Aziz Stadium here on Saturday.

With the day's feat, Gokulam Kerala FC top the group list securing 7 points from three matches with two wins and one draw and will play Kolkata Mohun Bagan AC in the 2nd semis on Monday (October 28) at 7 pm.

Group A champions and hosts Chattogram Abahani Ltd will play the first semifinal also on Monday (October 28) at 4 pm, against the winners of BPL champions Basundhara Kings and Terengganu FC of Malaysia. Chennai City FC were eliminated from the after conceding three straight defeats.

Durand Cup Champions Gokulam Kerala, who are playing in the place of BPL runners-up Dhaka Abahani Ltd, made a flying start in the eight-team meet upsetting Bashundhara Kings by 3-1 goals in the first match but played to a goalless draw with Terengganu FC in their 2nd match.

In the day's match, forward Lal Romawia and Ugandan forward Henry Kisekka scored one goal each for Gokulam Kerala .

Lal Romawia opened account for Gokulam Kerala FC in the 8th minute by the 2nd attempt as Kisekka missed the first one, off a free-kick of Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Nathaniel Jude Garcia (1-0).

Just after three minutes, Kisekka doubled the margin by a right-footed grounder, also off a free-kick by Nathaniel Jude Garcia (2-0).

After conceding two quick goals, the I-League champions Chennai City started attacking football but failed to find net due to lack of good finishers.

After the first half, Gokulam Kerala FC got a close chance to widen their margin but defender Sebastian Thangmuansang missed the target in the 57th minute.

However, Gokulam Kerala successfully maintained their 2-0 lead at the end of the game.