What an effort: Semkholun’s gut-busting run led to SC Delhi’s opening goal.
| Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
Mohammed Aimen was all of 15 when he joined the Kerala Blasters academy in 2018. He spent the next eight years there, successfully graduating from the youth ranks into the senior team.
Having switched to Sporting Club Delhi at the start of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season, a quirk of fate saw the forward produce his first-ever goal for his new club in the fixture against his former side on Sunday. With Matija Babovic also finding the net in stoppage time, the hosts sealed a much-needed 2-0 win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here. Blasters were reduced to 10 men when defender Aibanbha Dohling committed a rash challenge in the 85th minute.
Players in action during the Sporting Club Delhi vs Kerala Blasters FC ISL match.
| Photo Credit:
SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
Having looked the more threatening of the two teams in the first half, the Delhi outfit deserved its lead in the 36th minute.
The move for the goal began with right-back Lamgoulen Semkholun passing the ball to centre-back Rafael Alves inside Delhi’s half and sprinting forward in search of an opening. Alves took cognisance of Semkholun’s gut-busting run and delivered a superb through-ball along the turf in his teammate’s direction. Semkholun utilised his physical strength to ward off a challenge from Dohling, and then held his composure to pick out an unmarked Aimen inside the six-yard box. The 23-year-old converted from close range.
For the visitors, 29-year-old Frenchman Kevin Yoke looked lively with the ball at his feet. Primarily operating on the left flank, Yoke had a few chances to test the Delhi defence, but his wayward crossing meant Blasters lacked the cutting edge.
The result: Sporting Club Delhi 2 (Mohammed Aimen 36, Matija Babovic 90+7) bt Kerala Blasters 0.
Published – April 05, 2026 07:33 pm IST
