KOZHIKODE (India): Marcus Joseph scored the only goal as Gokulam Kerala overcame former champions Churchill Brothers 1-0 in the I-League on Sunday evening.
In a wonderful gesture, the Gokulam management had declared that the proceeds from the game would be donated to the family of former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal player Dhanarajan, who passed away under tragic circumstances last month.
The local crowd responded with an over 25,000 turnout.
Both sides had lost their previous matches.
Churchill coach Bernardo Tabares rang in four changes including injured top striker Willis Plaza.
Gokulam’s Spanish coach Santiago Varela brought in Afghan Haroon Amiri and Sebastian in place of Jestin Geroge and Salman.
The first clear chance of the game came Gokulam’s way in the 18th minute to centre-back Andre Ettienne.
Ugandan forward Henry Kisekka then missed the best chance in the first half-hour, catching Churchill keeper Jaffar Mondal well outside his line, but his attempt at lobbing the keeper missed by a whisker.
The hosts broke through in the 38th minute through Marcus.
Amiri got the assist with a wonderful ball into the box piercing the left-side of the Churchill defence.
The Trinidadian international’s rasping drive beat Mondal hands down. This was his fifth goal of this season’s league and it duly got him another man of the match. (Source: AIFF)
