East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala: East Bengal advances to the Durand Cup 2023 Semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC. East Bengal took an early lead with Jordan Elsey within a minute. But Gokulam Kerala fought back, and Bouba Aminou scored the equaliser to tie the game. The Malabarians’ hopes were dashed, however, when Nishu Kumar’s long ranger was deflected slightly by Bouba Aminou into the net! East Bengal’s coaching staff erupted in joy as Carles Cuadrat kept the Kolkata giants on pace for their first trophy in five years!
East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala Staring XI
East Bengal:
Prabhsukhan Gill, Nishu Kumar, Lalchungnunga, Jordan Elsey, Souvik Chakrabarti, Harmanjot Khabra, Saul Crespo, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Borja Herrera, Nandhakumar Sekar, Javier Siverio
Gokulam Kerala:
Zothanmawia (GK), Nidhin Krishna, Salam Rajan Singh, Aminou Bouba, Alex Sanchez(C), Basit Ahmed, Abhijith K, Vikas, Komron Tursanov, Nili, Shijin
East Bengal holds the record for the most Durand Cup victories, having won it 16 times. They most recently clinched the title in 2004, in Asia’s oldest club football championship. The appointment of the new foreign coach, Carles Cuadrat, has generated renewed interest. In his second game against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby, he secured his first significant triumph.
Previously, East Bengal had taken a 2-0 lead at halftime but was held to a 2-2 draw by Bangladesh Army. The winning momentum from the Kolkata Derby carried into the subsequent match against the determined Punjab FC.
On the other hand, Gokulam Kerala is an experienced contender in the game. They eliminated two ISL giants from the Durand Cup 2023, namely Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters, to reach this stage. Their two international attackers, Pedromo and Alex Sanchez, have formed a devastating partnership. Sreekuttam and Abhijith K have contributed with spectacular goals to complement their foreign teammates.
In contrast, Gokulam Kerala made a strong start against the Indian Armed Forces. They triumphed over their arch-rivals and ISL club, Kerala Blasters, in the Kerala Derby. However, Gokulam suffered a 2-0 defeat against the Blue Colts in their final group-stage match, despite leading the group with six points.
Fortunately, the ISL club hasn’t revealed any injuries or suspensions ahead of their crucial match against Gokulam Kerala. Similarly, all of the Gokulam Kerala players are in good health and fitness.
East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala Match Details:
Match: East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala FC
Tournament: Durand Cup 2023
Date: 25th August, 2023
Venue: Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan
Kickoff: 6.00 PM
Live Streaming: East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala LIVE streaming will be on Sony LIV
Live Telecast: Durand Cup 2023 Quarterfinal will be live telecasted on Sony Ten 2
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