CALCUTTA (India): Fran Gonzalez shines with a double strike as Mohun Bagan overcame Gokulam Kerala 2-1 in 2019-20 I-League here at Kalyani Stadium here on Monday.
It was a sweet revenge by the Mariners, who had lost to the Kerala side in the Durand Cup final last September.
Fran Gonzalez converted a penalty in the 24th minute before Marcus Joseph cancelled out, also from the spot in the added time of first half.
But Fran headed home the winning goal in the 48th minute to help the 2015-16 winners garner three important points.
Bagan coach Jose ‘Kibu’ Vicuna named an unchanged line-up as he stuck to his newfound formula that proved effective against TRAU FC in the previous match.
But Fernando Varela made a couple of changes to his previous line-up.
Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan made his first senior start in the midfield. Kshetrimayum Meitei started up front alongside the talismanic duo of Marcus Joseph and Henry Kisekka.
The home side showed grit and intensity behind every run and tackle, but the Malabarians fought tooth-and-nail.
But the visitors were hit hard when their keeper Ubaid CK brought down Ashutosh Mehra inside the box and referee Crystal John pointed to the spot, and Fran drilled the ball home with a neat finish.
Marcus equalises for the Malabarians
However, the Malabarians equalised in the third minute of stoppage time.
Julen Colinas brought down Nathaniel Garcia inside the box, and Gokulam captain Marcus converted to keep his team in the match.
The reigning Durand Cup champions showed great character as they threatened Bagan backline including a Henry Kisekka low cross that was shot wide by Mohammed Salah in the 65th minute.
The intensity of the match seemingly appeared to boil over when Mehra and Mohamed Irshad were involved in a tussle with both the players booked for dissent.
The green and maroon side came out in the second half with all guns blazing and kept their opponents under pressure. It finally paid off when Fran headed home three minutes after interval to restore the lead.
