Football News: Gokulam Kerala defeat Mohun Bagan 2-1 to lift Durand Trophy

Mohun Bagan had the support of the crowd, but Gokulam Kerala FC came out with the upper hand, silencing the 43,000-odd strong crowd, defeating the Green and Maroons 2-1 on Saturday, August 24, at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata. Marcus Joseph was the star of the match, scoring on either side of the half-time break. His efforts in the final took his 2019 Durand Cup tally to 11 goals, a feat that earned him the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball awards. Despite the vociferous support for the Green and Maroons, it was Gokulam, who got off on the front foot. Malem Meetei had a chance early on but scuffed his shot wide. Bagan’s Spanish defender Francisco Morante was instrumental in keeping the Kerala side out in the early exchanges. Despite his effort, however, it was Marcus Joseph, who opened the scoring in the first-half injury time. Kisekka was played through inside the box and was eventually brought down as the referee pointed to the spot. Joseph made no mistake as he slotted the penalty hard and low, silencing the crowd.