Gokulam Kerala FC stunned 16-time Durand Cup champions East Bengal, beating them in a penalty shootout in the semifinal of the tournament, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
The match was tied 1-1 in regular and extra-time. 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 extra-time through a penalty after EB defender Mehtab brought down Irshad in the box.
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.
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.
