KERALA AND FOOTBALL, is an eternal bond. First I-League match in Kerala since a very long time and there was great turn out as expected. Neither teams came with the mind set on staying back. The first half saw a flurry of attacks from both Gokulam Kerala FC and Chennai City FC.
The home team got their break in the 22nd minute when Kamo received a long pass. The young striker took full advantage of Chennai keeper's sloppiness and got the goal for the home fans.
After the goal, Chennai sped up their efforts to find their equaliser. Junior was in the forefront with the efforts. A double save from Kerala keeper Nikhil helped his team keep the lead. But Chennai City weren’t able to be kept away for too long. Soosairaj's shot found Junior finally taking the shot on target while Nikhil failed to keep it from going in this time. After just 6 minutes Chennai City were level.
The game slowed down a bit after the second goal of the game. Gokulam suffered a big blow as two injuries forced them to sub Mbele and Ambane just before half time. The half ended at one each.
Jean Micheal threatened to score immediately after the second half kick off. Alexander Romario sent a good cross into the box but the striker missed his header completely.
Khaled Alsaleh created the best chance when his left foot shot was punched away by the keeper. Rashid follow up shot was skied yards from goal. Rashid would get another chance shortly after that but his header went well wide of the post.
The home side stepping up towards the end of the game could not trouble Chennai. It ended all square with one goal a piece.