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The hard-fought clash between holders Gokulam Kerala FC and Kickstart FC, currently placed second and third in the IWL, at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Friday, January 12, 2024, ended in a goalless draw.
While Gokulam Kerala are in second place with 10 points from four matches, Kickstart FC are in third position with eight points from five matches.
It was a disappointing 90 minutes for Gokulam Kerala as they squandered many golden opportunities to take the lead. Gokulam Kerala, as expected, dominated possession at the middle of the park but it was the lack of creativity and quality in the final third that let them down.
Gokulam Kerala opened the first half with intensity and managed to create a wonderful chance through Fazlia Ikwaput in the 8th minute. But to the dismay of the Gokulam Kerala fans, the Uganda international put the ball over the post from very close range. To her frustrations, she would later go on to hit the post in the 16th minute of the game failing to give Gokulam Kerala the lead.
Kickstart FC’s defending throughout the match was commendable and they also made noise in Gokulam Kerala’s penalty area with chances of their own. Karishma Purshottam Shirvoikar, the leading goal scorer in the league, was looking dangerous as Kickstart FC was trying to catch Gokulam Kerala on the counter. Karishma’s effort at goal in the 30th minute was well saved by Payal Basude to keep the scores level.
Kickstart FC looked like the team that deserved the win in the second half as they executed their tactic of the counter to perfection throughout. Gokulam Kerala kept the majority of the ball possession but all of this proved to be much ado about nothing as they failed to create a clear opportunity at the Kickstart FC goal in the second half.
Gokulam Kerala have been inconsistent this season with only just two wins from their five matches so far. After coming off from such a heavy win over Sports Odisha, Gokulam Kerala today were disappointing going and would definitely not be happy with the draw. Kickstart FC would be delighted with the point as they sit in second position behind Odisha FC.
