Viva Kerala silenced their critics by a 4-2 win over Sporting Clube de Goa in front of a 20,000 crowd who witnessed the round 5 match I-League 2009-10 at Calicut Corporation Stadium.
Home team’s goal was under siege from the start of the match. Sporting’s captain Bibiano Fernandes led the way with a goal in the 4th minute of the match. His cross from right side of the field was miscalculated by the Viva Kerala goal keeper Shahinlal Meloly.
Viva players were yet again shocked by an early goal. But Viva Kerala’s re-conquest began in the 17th minute when they cancelled out the Goan team’s lead. Sporting’s keeper Felix D’Souza reached Reuben Senyo’s shot from the penalty area, but couldn’t do enough to stop it from entering the net.
Boosted by their first goal in the league, Viva scored again in the 31st minute when Sirajudeen tapped in from the near post, unmarked. The remaining of the first half saw both teams with plenty of chances, but the score remained 2-1.
Goal scorer Sirajudeen was substituted by Mohammed Marsook for the second half. There was no stopping Viva Kerala in the second half too. 63rd minute saw Reuben’s shot hit the Sporting keeper and return to Viva striker Anish who headed it to the back of the goal.
‘Flaming Oranje’ kept on attacking, but they were not able to score until 86th minute. Bello Rasaq cleared the ball but only after it rolled past the goal line. Michael Tayo claiming the goal.
The score read 3-2 in the dying moments and Sporting pushed forward to find an equaliser. But the goal was scored in the wrong end. Reuben had an open post to score from 30 yards out and he did not miss. The chance arose when Felix’s clearance was hit straight to Reuben which allowed him to score his second of the match. Reuben was awarded the man of the match award for the match.
Sakeer will now miss Viva’s next match against East Bengal after receiving his second yellow card of the league. Viva Kerala after scoring their first points have reached the 12th position ahead of East Bengal and Sporting.
Adhwaidh R for FootballKerala.com
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Thursday 29 October 2009, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.
Comments · 5
Great result...!!!
For the first time, the coach played the best available players in a formation familiar to them and the players delivered. The players seem to have played their heart out...Coach please dont break their hearts now...keep their spirits up!
All the very best for the next game...playing East Bengal at home on the 2nd of November. Another win will give a major boost to the campaign.
Good Luck Viva!!!
Please upload some photos.. Great win... Good luck for all the games..
I was one of the viewers of the match. It was lucky for Viva to play before a huge crowd crying for them. Defenitely they utilized the opportunity to prove themselves.
I did'nt like the way both teams played. Viva made some unforgettable movements but the total was not so good. Expecting more from OUR GUYS... Good luck Vs East Bengal...
Finally some relief for the fans. I'm soo happy to see viva's victory. I thought we are gonna die once again in this league... but this victory gave some hope.... It's not yet a time to rest... time to work hard n win against better teams.
Good Win, hope this is a new beginning!
Many teams including Viva in the I league has to improvise their game style....
Winning a match against the bottom team wouldnt silence the crtitics, but playing professional and standard football game does! And that bring in results too....