NEROCA register 10 win, go top of Ileague table

IMPHAL: NEROCA FC defeated Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 to jump to the top of the I- League on Sunday. Liberian defender Varney Kallon Kiatamba scored two minutes before half-time which was enough for the newly- promoted side to register all three points at their home ground and unsettle Minerva Punjab FC at the top.

Gift Raikhan decided not to disturb NEROCA’S winning combination which defeated Churchill Brothers in their away game earlier this week.

Bino George, on the other hand, made three changes in the starting eleven which defeated Shillong Lajong in the previous game. Kivi Zhimoni, Santu Singh and Daniel Addo made way for Arjun Jayaraj, Henry Kisekka and Balwinder Singh.

The visitors received an early blow when Laldampuia had to leave the field with an injury in the ninth minute of the game. George introduced Kivi Zhimoni in place of the injured winger.

NEROCA opened the goal mouth on multiple occasions within the first 25 minutes of the match. Aryn Williams’ shot from inside the box was cleared valiantly by Mohammed Irshad.

The Australian once again came very close to scoring in the 24th minute when he was one on one with Bilal Khan but his shot went wide. Kiatamba Kallon broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute from Nedo Turkovic’s pass. The defender took advantage of a fumble from Bilal Khan and put the ball into the back of the net.