I-League 2017 Live Score: East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala FC, Live Match Updates Commentary

KEB 1-0 GKFC (Rafique 44') (Full Time)

Updated: 27 December 2017 21:57 IST - Published: 27 December 2017 21:55 IST

That's all from tonight's I-League action from Kolkata as East Bengal reach the top of the standings for the first time this season. Minerva Punjab FC lost away to Aizawl FC paving the way for the Kolkata side.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for all sporting news from around the world. This is Gaurav Kadam, signing off tonight. See you soon!

Full Time:
Kingfisher East Bengal 1 - 0 Gokulam Kerala FC

Three points and the top spot in the kitty for Khalid Jamil's men as a spirited showing from the Gokulam Kerala FC is unable to stop the home side from victory. Mohammad Rafique's scorcher just before the halftime provided the edge for the giants. Rohi Mirza was sent off for a horrid tackle on Katsumi Yusa. Kerala coach Bino George will be happy with his side's performance.

90+4' - Kerala try to break on the counter but KEB cut their move out as they clear the ball out for throw-ins.

90+4' - Last minute corner for East Bengal as Mahmoud Al-Amna takes his time reaching the flag post.

90' - Four minutes have been indicated by the referee as the score stands 1-0 for the home side.

89' - Laldanmawia Ralte makes his way off the pitch as Brandon Vanlalredmika comes on for the final couple of minutes.

85' - Surprise effort from Eduardo Ferreira out of nowhere as the shot just goes over Bilal's goal. Incredible power from the KEB center-back in that free-kick effort.

85' - Emmanuel Chigozie has been booked for a handball after he fell in a sliding tackle attempt, harsh but the ref had no choice. Free-kick for East Bengal as Al-Amna stands over.

83' - Mohd. Rafique has been adjudged the Hero of the Match for his absolutely stunning goal at the stroke of the half-time.

80' - We enter the last 10 minutes of the match as the score still stands 1-0 in favor of the Kolkata side. Gokulam Kerala FC, despite losing Rohit Mirza and being down to 10 men, have managed to hold their own and still have a chance to rescue a point from the game.

73' - Francis Ambane who came on as an early sub is now subbed out for Laldampuia as Gokulam go in search of the equalizer.

71' - Charles De Souza comes on for Bazie Armand as Jamil makes a defensive change.

68' - Bilal to the rescue!! Plaza is found in the box by a good ball from the right and the Trinidadian pulls the trigger but the Kerala side's keeper saves his effort and the ball is away from danger.

65' - Surabudding Mollick gets away on the left wing with acres of space and has Plaza alongside him but chooses to go for the glory but messes up his effort.

58' - Yusa is substituted off now as young Surabudding Mollick comes on for the home side.

53' - What do we have here!! The referee has changed his decision and shown the red card now to Mirza as both the players are now being stretchered off. Both teams with 10 men now.

51' - Rohit Mirza is sent off for an incredibly cynical kick on Yusa as the East Bengal bench and players protest to the referee as they think it should have been a red. Arnab Mondal, the East Bengal skipper looks vehemently angry at the decision.

45' - The second half action is underway in Kolkata as Gokulam Kerala FC trail by a single goal after a spirited second half performance.

Half Time
Kingfisher East Bengal 1 - 0 Gokulam Kerala FC

Mohd. Rafique's stunner at the end of the first half is the difference between the two sides as we come to the conclusion of a well-contested 45 minutes at the Salt Lake Stadium.

45' - Two minutes have been indicated as extra time at the end of the first half.

44' - WOAHH!! What a strike!! A corner from Al-Amna is cleared by the Kerala defence but Rafique is there on the top of the box. He chests the ball down and takes a half-volley that rises into the top corner as Bilal Khan is unable to keep the belter out despite getting a hand to it. What a way to break the deadlock!!!

37' - Ambane with a curling shot from the edge of the box on the right that rattles the side-netting. The substitute has been impressive since coming on and has been instrumental in the Kerala attack.

31' - Half an hour mark passes in Kolkata as the Red & Golds continue their search for the deadlock-breaker with GKFC displaying good resilience in defense so far in the match.

30' - Plaza chases a long deep ball into the Kerala defense but the last man is up to the task of keeping the KEB frontman out and makes a crucial tackle.

25' - Ambane's corner is dealt well by Barreto in the East Bengal goal. The away side looking confident on the counter and look to catch the Red & Golds with surprise.