Malabarians all set for semifinal clash with Abahani

GKFC face local favourites Chittagong Abahani in the semifinal of the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup at MA Aziz Stadium here on Monday.

The Durand Cup champions have continued their superb form by defeating Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings and ILeague champions Chennai City to enter the semifinals. In another group match they held two-time Malaysian Premier League champions Terengganu FC for a draw.

Gokulam have yet not utilised captain Marcus Joseph to his full capacity as he had made only two substitute appearances after joining his team midway from national duty.

His absence was substituted by stellar performances by another Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Nathaniel Garcia and also Ugandan forward Henry Kisekka. Henry has been phenomenal in the tournament so far, scoring three goals from three matches and creating several chances.

Garcia, on the other hand, has flaunted his dead ball skills – scoring one goal and assisting another two from freekicks – in the tournament. The midfield combo of M. Rashid and Mayakkannan also has done a fantastic job by breaking the opposition attacks and sending in dangerous through balls.

Another major characteristic of the Malabarians is the defensive system Fernando Varela has deployed. His style of play has ensured that the defense had let only one goal so far in the tournament. The defensive trio of Irshad, Andre and Ravanan along with the help of two wingbacks – Sebastian and Naocha – has helped the team to maintain a good record at the back.