Defending champions Gokulam Kerala's winning run at home in the 2022-23 I-League was halted with a 0-0 draw against NEROCA FC at the Payyanad Stadium, here on Thursday.
NEROCA were the dominant side in the early stages, with midfielders Mirjalol Kasimov and Tangva Ragui doing most of the running. The Orange Brigade, however, were unable to translate that possession into goals, while the hosts were happy to sit back and defend.
The first real chance of the contest arrived at the half-hour mark as Lunminlen Haokip unleashed a low effort from a narrow angle, which was met by a strong save from Shibinraj Kunniyil in the Gokulam Kerala goal. Moments later, Shijin struck the goalpost at the other end for the Malabarians. The forward, who has scored three goals this season, darted into the box from the right before dispatching a low strike, which crashed into the far post.
