Gokulam Kerala FC stunned 16-time Durand Cup champions East Bengal, beating them 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the semifinal of the tournament, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, after the match was tied 1-1 in regular and extra-time.
GKFC's goalkeeper Ubaid C.K. turned out to be the hero of the match, making two saves in the penalty shootout. Interestingly, he has played for the Red-and-Gold brigade in the past. After East Bengal captain Lalrindika Ralte's first shot hit the post, Ubaid denied Jaime Santos Colado before blocking Tondomba Naorem to secure Gokulam's first qualification to the final in the Asia's oldest football tournament. For Gokulam Kerala, Bruno Pelissari, Justin George and Lalromawia found the back of the net from the spot.
"I knew I would be in the bench so I called up (CEO) VC Praveen Sir who happily welcomed me saying 'Kerala wants you'," said Ubaid, rating this as his best show. "When I came here, I was nothing. This club (EB) have given me everything. I will always have respect for East Bengal.
"We want to win this tournament for the people of Kerala and the die-hard fans. We are all geared up," he said.
The Kolkata giants drew the first blood in the 19th minute through Samad Mallick, who scored a screamer from more than 30 yards. Gokulam Kerala managed to equalise in the injury-time through a penalty after EB defender Mehtab Singh brought down Henry Kisekka in the box, for which he was red-carded. The tournament's top-scorer Marcus Joseph stepped up to score his ninth goal to help his team equalise.
East Bengal were sloppy in the second half, and the visitors did well to take the match into penalties. Playing with 10 players in the extra-time, East Bengal managed to keep a clean slate with their goalkeeper K. Mirshad executing three fine saves.
The Malabarians, as GKFC are known, will meet the winners of the second semifinal between Mohun Bagan and Real Kashmir FC, in the final on August 24.
(With PTI inputs)
