I-League: Awal returns to strengthen Gokulam defence against Punjab

Mohamed Awal will return to captain Gokulam Kerala against Punjab FC on Friday as they seek to bounce back from a 2-3 defeat to Churchill Brothers in the I-League.
The Ghanaian centre-back was suspended in the clash with the league leaders on Monday and in his absence, the Gokulam defence that had conceded just once in 270 minutes was breached thrice.
"Awal will give more strength to the defence. His chemistry with Deepak (Devrani) was going great," said Gokulam head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese in his pre-match press conference.
The Kozhikode-based side will be hoping to close the gap with Churchill (22 points)that has been extended to six points. Gokulam can, however, move second on 19 points if they beat Punjab.
Curtis Fleming's Punjab will be eager to avenge last month's defeat to Gokulam when they had squandered a 3-1 lead to lose 3-4. "Gokulam is a team that plays possession-based football. It is going to be difficult and I have said that every week," said Fleming.
Gokulam will be without winger Vincy Barretto who was sent off against Churchill. Jithin MS, who scored his maiden I-League goal against the Goans is expected to feature alongside Emil Benny. "I hope to score more goals to help my team win the remaining matches and claim the title," said winger Jithin.
Punjab will be encouraged by the return of their top scorer Chencho Gyeltshen who was suspended for their meeting with Neroca on Monday that was won by Baba Diawara's solitary goal.