Gokulam drop points in I-league opener

KOZHIKODE: I-league debutants Inter Kashi held their nerve in the final minutes as they scored an equaliser in added-on time to hold former champions Gokulam Kerala FC 2-2 in their first I-league game at EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode on Saturday. Skipper Alejandro Sanchez Lopez (7) and Noufal PN (54) scored for Gokulam while Inter Kashi's goals came from the boots of Edmund Lalrindika (29) and Mohammed Asif (90+2).
As expected the home side took an early lead in the seventh minute. Edu Bedia found Sreekuttan on the left and the Kerala boy made use of his speed and dribbling skills to beat Sumeet Passi. After entering the Inter Kashi box, Sreekuttan gave a low-back cross to Lopez, who slotted the ball into the net.
Inter Kashi was quick to respond and scored the equaliser in the 29th minute. Sumeet Passi found Mario Vilar in the box with a long throw. Despite being put under pressure by Gokulam defence, Mario twisted himself to give a low cross to an advancing Edmund Lalrindika. Gokulam defender Nidhin Krishna was not aware of Lalrindika's presence in the box and the Inter Kashi forward diverted Mario's cross into the Gokulam post with ease.
A 54th-minute howler from Inter Kashi goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja saw Gokulam regain the lead in the second half. Arindam came out of his lines to clear a long ball which came from the Gokulam half. But Noufal PN made a good run and chipped the ball above Arindam's head to score the home side's second goal.
In the dying moments, Inter Kashi levelled the scores again. While trying to clear a dangerous cross from Mario, Gokulam goalkeeper Devansh Dabas lost his balance. The ball fell before second-half substitute Mohammed Asif, who slotted the ball into the net past Devansh.