A brief lapse in concentration can prove costly. Gokulam Kerala’s Abdul Hakku learnt it the hard way in their Super Cup game against FC Goa at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode on Friday. The Gokulam defender, who was having a great match, committed a silly error in the dying moments that paved the way for FC Goa’s winner. The 1-0 victory kept FC Goa’s semifinal hopes alive in the tournament while the second successive defeat ended Kerala’s side’s hopes of advancing from the group.
The decisive goal came in the 90th minute. Hakku was moving forward from his box with the ball but was put under pressure by Noah Sadaoui, which resulted in the former giving the ball away. After snatching the ball from Hakku, Noah charged into the Gokulam penalty box and unleashed a shot which was fisted away by goalkeeper Shibinraj with a diving effort. But the rebound fell for Iker Vallejo. The Goa stand-in-skipper calmly slotted the ball into the Gokulam net to give his team all three points.
Though Gokulam could argue that dubious refereeing decisions proved costly for them, the home side only have themselves to blame for spoiling a dozen chances.
Gokulam had twice put the goal into the net, but on both occasions the assistant referee raised the flag to disallow the goal. First, Sreekuttan was deemed to have committed a foul on a Goan defender before putting the ball into the back of the net. But television replays showed that there was no contact between the players. Later, Sergio Menduguchia Igesias’ shot landed in FC Goa’s goal but the forward was ruled offside. However, the television replays showed otherwise.
Final games of Group A to be played simultaneously
The last round of matches of Group A in the Super Cup has been rescheduled and will be held simultaneously at two different venues on Sunday. The two matches will kick-off at 8.30 pm. The match between Roundglass Punjab and Sreenidi Deccan has been moved to Sports Council Stadium, Payyanad, Manjeri while the game between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC will be held as scheduled at EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode. The ticket prices have also been reduced to Rs 125 from Rs 250. Those who have already booked online tickets for the games, will get a refund.
