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