I League 2023-24: Gokulam Salvages a draw against Churchill Brothers

Devansh, who missed the previous match due to suspension, endured a harrowing day under the post and gifted Churchill Brothers a goal in the first half.

Gokulam’s Justine Emmanuel (left) and Churchill’s Emiliano Callegari engaged in mid air duel in the I league match at the EMS Corporation stadium on Sunday | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Gokulam Kerala FC salvaged a draw against Churchill Brothers on a night that saw its goalkeeper Devansh Dabas’ comeback turn sour at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Sunday.

Devansh, who missed the previous match due to suspension, endured a harrowing day under the post and gifted Churchill Brothers a goal in the first half. Devansh fumbled and allowed an innocuous freekick from Martin Chavaz to slip out.

The lurking Richard Costa booted in the loose ball in the 37 ^th minute. Richard collided with Devansh who momentarily became unconscious and had to be stretchered out.

Gokulam was lacklustre against a committed Churchill Brothers side in the first half which was played under a steady drizzle. The Goans had more of the possession and strung together a few threatening moves but Gokulam’s defence kept its shape. Before his gaffe, Devansh tipped away a long ranger from Ricardo Dichiara for a corner.

Gokulam shrugged off its passiveness and played more fluently in the second half. The Goans went into a defensive mode, hoping to preserve its lead and it backfired. In the 70 ^th Alex Sanchez’s shot hit Goan defender Biaka’s hand and referee Suresh Devaraj awarded a penalty. Sanchez whipped the ball in to score the equaliser in the 72 ^nd minute.

The result

Churchill Brothers FC 1 (Richard Costa 37) drew with Gokulam Kerala FC(Alex Sanchez 72).