Bengaluru, November 27: Gokulam Kerala FC's debut match in the I-League didn't go as planned. The Calicut-based side went down 0-1 to a spirited Shillong Lajong at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday (November 27).
Alen Deory struck the winner for the hosts in the 78th minute. The young forward nodded home haphazardly a free-kick take by his captain Samuel Lalmuanpuia from the right. Deory's glance kissed the post and looked to have gone inside. It rebounded at the goalline before being pushed in by a Gokulam Kerala defender to confirm the goal. The win ensured three points for Shillong Lajong, who have a good record at home in the I-League.
Our hero of the match today Alen Deory!!!
— Shillong Lajong FC (@lajongfc) November 27, 2017
The Reds registered first win in their first home game of the I-League 2017/18 season today against Gokulam Kerala at the JN Stadium Shillong.
Read the match report on our website: https://t.co/ZZJ4NokikY pic.twitter.com/ImFc3CWxTj
The average age of the players for Lajong was only 21 against Gokulam Kerala. The young and energetic side understandably controlled the pace of the play, although possession was 52-48 between the two sides.
Redeem Tlang fumbled with a one-on-one chance in front of Gokulam Kerala goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard five minutes before the break. Samuel later took a weak free-kick in the second half from the edge of the box, which was punched away by Bernard.
Redeem Tlang's chance to take @lajongfc 1-0 up. #HeroILeague #LAJvGKFC pic.twitter.com/u7xz4uRa00
— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) November 27, 2017
Gokulam Kerala had their moments in the game too. In the 49th minute, forward Lelo Blaise Mbele was through after a delightful ball by Bayi Kamo Stephane. However, the Congo striker took a strong touch as he entered the box, which was collected by goalkeeper Phurba Tempa Lachenpa, who had stepped off the line.
The clock ticked but Gokulam Kerala could not find their equaliser. The four minutes of stoppage time saw Lajong retain possession and see out the win.
#HeroILeague - Round 2
— Gokulam Kerala FC (@GokulamKeralaFC) November 27, 2017
Gokulam Kerala FC 🆚 Chennai City FC
📆: December 4⃣
🏟: EMS Corporation Stadium
🕗: 8 PM
📺: Starsports 2, Hotstar, JioTV #GKFCvCCFC
⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫@ChennaiCityFC @StarSportsIndia @hotstartweets @SushanthMattheW @ILeagueOfficial @gkfcbattalia
Lajong play their next match at home against Churchill Brothers on December 2 at 5.30 pm.