Mohun Bagan defeated Viva Kerala 2-1 in the round 17 match played at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata to rise to the 5th position in the points tally of the I-League 2010-11. Mohun Bagan opened the scoring in the first half through Muritala Ali and doubled the lead late in the second. Viva's consolation came in the third minute of injury time from CS Sabeeth.
Viva Kerala, coming from a couple of good displays in the previous matches, played better football in the early first half and threatened to open the scoring against the Kolkata club. Bello Razaq was the first player to test the Bagan keeper as his header missed the goal by inches.
But, Bagan took the lead in the 37th minute against the run of the play when Muritala Ali delivered for the team. Surkumar Singh was the creator of the goal as his shot fell to Muritala who just had to hit the ball past the keeper. Bagan went in to the half time with a one goal advantage. Muritala was later adjudged man of the match.
In the second half, NP Pradeep and Anil Kumar had chances to equalize for Viva, but couldn't beat Shilton Paul at the Bagan goal line. Anil Kumar produced a header which was headed away on the line by defender R Dhanarajan. His second attempt saw his shot flying wide of the goal.
Viva Kerala brought on V Murugappan and CS Sabeeth in place of T Karma and Anil Kumar. Viva Kerala tried hard to draw level in the late periods of second half, but were undone by Jose Barreto in the 85th minute. Baretto doubled the lead from a cross from Gouranga Dutta.
Even though going down by two goals, Viva had some fireworks left at Kolkata as Sabeeth found the consolation goal for the Kerala outfit from a blistering shot from the edge of the penalty box. The goal was from a volley of Felix Chimaokwu's cross.
Despite defeating Bagan 2-0 at Kannur, Viva Kerala failed to garner a point at Kolkata. As a result the team still stays at the 12th spot just staying clear of the relegation spot with 12 points in the bag.
Viva Kerala Starting Line up: Sharath K (Goal Keeper), Sherin Sam, Bello Razzaq (Captain), Charles Dzisah, Chinta Chandrasekhar, Karma T, Ummer Faroque, NP Pradeep, Jimshad U, Anil Kumar PK, Felix Chimaokwu
Photo Courtesy: Kolkatafootball.com
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Sunday 6 March 2011, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.
Comments · 1
prasanth sir, did u 4get me?its me Ashwin. I couldn't attend the last U-19 trials,but iam sure that this 17yr boy will be in your team by next season. . .please give me the jersey no.17 when i join with you.all the best wishes Take care . . . . .