I-League 2017/18, Match 70: Mohun Bagan vs Gokulam Kerala, 5 Talking Points

Gokulam Kerala FC rallied to beat Mohun Bagan 2-1 in their own backyard in today's I-League fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Following a morbid first half, Gokulam went on to score the opener, against the run of play, through Mahmood Al Ajmi. However, Bagan equalised almost immediately and surged ahead in search of a winner. But eventually, it was the visiting team who came out on top as Henry Kisekka came out of the blue and scored a late winner for his side.

Here's what stood out from the game:

#1 Gokulam Kerala begin positively

After suffering a 1-0 away defeat to NEROCA FC in their last match, Gokulam Kerala started off brightly in today's match. They pressed the Mohun Bagan players high up the pitch and forced home team to commit mistakes in the initial stages.

With all the high pressing, the Gokulam players were soon awarded with the first chance of the match when Henry Kisekka got the better of Arijit Bagui and went through on goal. However, while trying to create an opening, the angle became narrower and narrower, and his attempt rebounded off the post.

It was during these initial stages that Gokulam could have taken the lead, but their frailties in the final third let them down.

#2 Mohun Bagan robbed off a penalty?

While Gokulam started off brightly, Mohun Bagan took some time to settle down and find their footing in the match. But after the 20-minute mark, they began going on the attack with SK Faiaz and Nikhil Kadam were creating all sorts of problems for Gokulam's defenders.

Soon after, in the 34th minute, Bagan could have had a penalty. Faiaz had made his way into the box following a through ball from the centre of the park when Provat Lakra rushed in towards him and brought him down.

Indeed, the hosts were displeased as the referee decided to overlook the challenge but it was really a 50-50 challenge. It was a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge and Lakra had come out stronger but at the same time, he had no intention of playing the ball.

#3 Akram Moghrabi misses golden opportunity

After the halfway mark, the home side started showing a lot more intent and Faiaz and Kadam, on either flank, continued to be the chief troublemakers. However, the Bagan forwards, especially Akram Moghrabi, were guilty of wasteful finishing.

On one particular occasion, right-back Arijit had run all the way down the right flank, beaten his man and served it on a platter for Akram to slot it in. However, the Lebanese forward, who was completely unmarked in front of the goal, failed to put it past goalkeeper Bilal Khan.

It was by far the easiest chance of the match and Akram really should have put it away. He had wasted a couple of chances just before this and it was no surprise when Shankarlal Chakraborty decided to bring on Bimal Gharti Magar in place of Akram.

#4 Gokulam score opener, Bagan equalise immediately

Dicka scores for Bagan — Dicka scored for Bagan

Although Bagan were showing all the attacking intent it was Gokulam who scored the opening goal of the match. Against the run of play, the visiting side produced a brilliant move which culminated with a peach of a finish from Mahmood Al Ajmi.

Daniel Addo had played a long ball forward for Henry Kisseka who controlled it before crossing it for Al Ajmi. The Bahraini player slotted it in with ease, precision and power, something that Akram had failed to do throughout his time on the pitch.

Bagan, though, reacted superbly and went on to score an equaliser almost immediately. Shilton D'Silva lobbed the ball towards Bimal Magar who laid it off beautifully for Dipanda Dicka to finish with a sublime header and keep his team in the game.

#5 Henry Kisekka drowns Bagan's title hopes?

Coming into the match, Bagan must have fancied a late push for the league title. They were just eight points off league leaders Minerva, who would meet East Bengal. However, Henry Kisekka drowned all their hopes with a winner towards the very end of regulation time.

As the Bagan players surged ahead in search of a second goal, Minerva tried to sit back and absorb the pressure. But when the opportunity presented itself, Kisekka was there to make it count and stun the crowd.

Following a harmless throw-in, Musa controlled the ball before whipping it into the way of Kisseka. The Ugandan forward made no mistake whatsoever to send a thumping volley right into the net. With that goal, ended Bagan's hopes of salvaging any points from the match.

As things stand now, it looks seeming impossible for them to win the title, unless of course, Minerva, East Bengal and NEROCA all go on losing streaks.

Edited by Sagnik Kundu