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2017-18 Season of Hero I League was wrapped up with 3 mouthwatering clashes on the final day. Gokulam FC and Mohun Bagan were out of the title race but stakes were high for the two teams. Gokulam FC needed a win to finish sixth in the league to confirm a qualification to the Super Cup, while Mohun Bagan had to finish above their arch-rivals East Bengal. Gokulam Kerala FC had defeated Mohun Bagan 1-2 in the away leg and had high hopes in the game after winning against Minerva Punjab, East Bengal etc.
Mohun Bagan started the game on a high taking the lead through Dicka's goal but Gokulam equalized just before the halftime. The game ended 1-1 with Gokulam failing to get automatic qualification to the Super Cup.
Let us now take a look at five major talking points from the match!
#1 Mohun Bagan start on the front foot
Mohun Bagan had a strong start to the game with Dicka, Cameron Watson and Nikhil Kadam constantly attacking the Gokulam goal post. Lakra and Chigozie's defensive awareness and poor finishing from Mohun Bagan Strikers delayed the first goal till the 26th minute. Mohun Bagan controlled the game for most of the first half with good control on the ball and fast attack. Gokulam were defensively strong to deny Mohun Bagan on multiple occasions.
#2 Dicka puts Bagan ahead
Dipanda Dicka, the ever dependant striker of Mohun Bagan was rescuing the Mariners as they found the lead in the 26th minute through the Cameroon striker. Cameron Watson's long ranger from outside the box was denied by the woodwork. Gokulam Kerala FC defenders failed to clear the ball and Dicka made most out of the situation opening the scoreboard. The Cameroonian striker is the leading scorer in the 2017-18 season of I League with 13 goals from 18 games.
#3 Gokulam restore parity just before half-time
After the Initial set back, Gokulam Kerala FC came back into the game at the last stages of the first half. Henry Kisekka, Salman, and Mohammed Rashid lead Gokulam Kerala FC's attack as they aimed a come back in the game. A slip from Rana Gharami at 45th minute opened the chance for Gokulam Kerala FC. Mohammed Rashid headed the ball to Herny Kisekka, who used the opportunity to score the equalizer for the Kerala based club. With neat passing and control on the ball, Gokulam Kerala FC tried to take the lead in the closing minutes of the first half.
#4 Weather plays its part in a lacklustre second half
With summer on the way, the temperature was soaring at EMS Stadium Kozhikode. The temperature was above 30 degrees Celsius which took a lot out of the players. The fatigue in the players was clearly visible when the players went for a drinks break in the second half. For the most part of the game players from both the teams lacked the energy to make a powerful move for the goal. Even in this scorching heat and fatigue, Players from both the teams tried to take the lead in the final moments of the game with both teams getting some good chances which were neutralized by some brilliant defending.
#5 Bagan finish third
It was a moment of pride for the Mohun Bagan to finish above their local rivals East Bengal. The Mariners were successful in doing so even though they failed to register a win against Gokulam Kerala FC. East Bengal who faced Neroca FC, who were fighting for the I League title also had to settle for a 1-1 draw even though they created a lot of chances. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal finished the League with 31 points but the Mariners finished above the rivals on superior goal difference. Gokulam Kerala FC, on the other hand, had a sad ending as they failed to get an automatic qualification to the Super Cup.
