Kerala football news

I-League 2009-10| Viva spring a surprise before conceding a late goal

After defeating Dempo in their previous match at home all eyes were focused on Viva when they took the holding champions Churchill Brothers at home.

Home team started with their Ace striker Reuben Senyo and youngster Sabeeth CS starting his first game for the match at front. Sakeer coming back to the team after his suspension following two yellow cards was a boost for the team. With Patrick in middle and Rahul and Sajesh in the left and right respectively Viva midfield looked well set.

Bello Rassaq being suspended, Amarwant Singh was promoted to the first team with a huge task of handling Odafa Okolie. Charles was the man who kept Odafa in check with the ever reliable Surjith and Noushad in the sides

Churchill dominated the proceedings in the earlier minutes doing well to keep the ball within themselves. Viva like themselves were looking to counter attack. The tackles between Odafa and Charles Dzisah was highlight of the earlier minutes as both players were taking blows from each other in tandem.

Lalrindika made the first best attempt on goal when he was let through by a great backheel by Odafa. But the shot went over the post. The very next minute Odafa was through inside the box with just goal keeper to beat but he blasted it over.

Viva got their first good chance 25 minutes into the game through a corner. But Rahul’s shot off target.

Viva were the better team for the next few minutes creating a lot of chances. The goal came from a good interchange play by Reuben and Sakeer, Reuben who was through for the shot hesitated a moment before finding Rahul who had no issues to put the ball into the top corner of the far post sending the crowd wild.

The goal was a great boost for the team and they found themselves more into the match thereafter.

Sabeeth who had a quiet half was taken out and Shibinlal was brought in. Viva tested Arindam few times later in the half with Reuben and Sakeer shoting from distance, but caused no harm.

The first half whistle brought a good cheer from the crowd who were well satisfied by a great performance by the home side.

Ten minutes into the second half, Felix put in a high ball into the box Goalkeeper got a hold to it but Odafa’s challenge put him in toruble losing balance and the ball was in the net. Referee blew the whistle and striker was penalised for the offence earning him a Yellow card.

Odafa was sent off in the last match against Viva for a challenge on Charles.

Few minutes later Amarwant produced a great tackle to take the ball of Odafa who would have just the goalkeeper infront of him. The defender replacing suspended Bello had a great game producing almost no mistakes.

60 mintues into the match Sajesh was replaced by Karma. The winger had taken a knock in the match against Salgaocar and missed the dempo match.

Viva got a freekick in the opponents half and Sakeer carelessly gave away the ball leading to a counter attack. Odafa was in the box trying to dribble through the defence. But Charles managed to put a foot in to take the ball off

In 67th minute Chruchill brought in Vimal Pariyar instead of Nascimento Silviera give more pace to their attack.

Next few minutes were dominated by Viva. They produced ample opportunities by some good quality football in midfield. Sakeer took almost 6 shots in the period but mostly off target. Viva would regret missing to score during this session.

The crowd anticipating the Home team victory was cheering every move but the death blow came in the injury time when substitute striker Vimal pariyar managed to tap in from a goalmouth melee let in by an Odafa cross. Upon conceding the Viva players almost fell to the ground dejected.

A win would have taken Viva to 7th position in the league ahead of East Bengal and Mumbai FC. But a moment of lapse in concentration or may be “luck” find them lose 2 valuable points

Charles Dzsiah was adjudged man of the match.

TEAMS:
Viva Kerala:
Sharath K (Goal Keeper), Noushad K, Amarwant Songh, Charles Dzisah, Surjith VV, Sajesh P, Sisupalan Patrick, Rahul P, Sakeer MP (Captain), Rahul P, Reuben Senyo, Sabeeth CS
Substitutes: Shahinlal Meloly, Shibinlal VK, Sirajudeen C, Mohammed Marsook, Nishad KP, Karma, Sarath EC
Coach: AM Sreedharan
Assistant Coach: Bino George
Physio: KN Vishnu
Manager: Prashanth

Musli Power Churchill Brothers:
Arindam Bhattacharya (Goal Keeper), Robert Lalthalma, Gourmanghi Singh, Rowilson Rodriguez, Thockchom Naoba Singh, Lalrindka Ralte, Ogba Kallu Nnana, Nascimento Silviera, Reisangmi Vasum, Felix Chimaokwu, Odafe Onyeka Okolie (Captain)
Substitutes: Lalith Thapa, Naveen Kumar Sudhakaran, Dhanachandra Singh, Charan Rai, Dan Ito, Imone Kalyan Mohta, Vimal Pariyar
Coach: Carlos Roberto Periera da Silva
Physio: XM Reagan
Manager: Danzie Ferrao