Kolkata: Defending champions Gokulam Kerala were held to a 2-2 draw by Army Red in the Durand Cup at the Kalyani Stadium here on Sunday.
Ghanaian striker Rahim Osumanu gave the Malabarians an early lead with a stunning strike in the ninth minute of their opening match. However, Gokulam suffered a big blow when their goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar collided with Army Red's Mukesh Kumar and had to be replaced with Ajmal P A.
The Army team bounced back with two quick goals from Jain P (30th) and Bikash Thapa (40th) to go into the half-time break with a 2-1 lead.
Gokulam captain Sharif Mohamed drew level from the spot in the 68th minute.
ISL side Hyderabad FC thumped Assam Rifles 5-0 in another Group D match.
Army Red, who thrashed Assam Rifles 4-1 in their opening match, top the group with four points from two matches followed by Hyderabad on three from one game. Gokulam are in third spot with one point.
Gokulam clash with Hyderabad on Thursday. The Malabarians round off their group assignments against Assam Rifles next Sunday.
The top two teams from the four groups will make it to the quarterfinals.
