I-League 2023-24: Gokulam Kerala grab three points in a seven-goal thriller

Gokulam fought hard in the I-league clash against Aizawl FC.

Gokulam Kerala FC beat Aizawl FC 4-3 at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, to move to the third spot in the I-League 2023-24 table. The teams were locked 2-2 at half-time, which ultimately proved to be a seven-goal thriller.

Matija Babovic (29’ and 64’) of Gokulam Kerala netted a brace, as Nikola Stojanovic (43’) and Pitu Viera (70’) scored one each for the home side, while Lalbiakdika (20’) and LAlrinzuala (84’) scored for Aizawl; Gokulam’s Akhil P. (45’) scored an own goal.

With this win, Gokulam Kerala now moves up to third in the I-League table, with 36 points from 20 outings. On the other hand, Aizawl FC remains 11 points clear of the relegation zone, having played 18 matches, with 21 points.

Gokulam Kerala were the more dominant side and showed their intent from the start as they looked to play the ball around in the Aizawl half. However, it was Aizawl, who against the run of play, took the lead in the 20th minute. Lalramsanga, on the counter, threaded a through ball to Lalbiakdika, who did well to hold off his marker, as he entered the box and coolly finished past the keeper.

Aizawl’s lead did not last long though, as Gokulam equalised just nine minutes later, when Christy Davis made an interception in the opposition half, advanced goalwards, and passed it to Matija Babovic. The Serbian forward jinked past two defenders before slotting it past the near post, to equalise.

The home side began to grow into the game, and just as everyone was getting ready for the halftime break, they managed to take the lead. Nikola Stojanovic drove into the Aizawl box and unleashed a powerful left-footer that zipped into the net, again, at the near post.

Aizawl were determined, however, and soon struck back in the 45th minute. K. Lalrinfela passed it to R. Ramdinthara on the right, and the latter sent in a low cross was turned into his own goal by Gokulam’s Akhil P.

The hosts came out all guns blazing in the second half and soon had their rewards when Babovic put them back in the lead, scoring from just outside the Aizawl penalty box. Minutes later, Pitu Viera played a brilliant one-two with Noufal PN to double their lead. Lalrinzuala managed to pull one back later in the game, giving some hope to Aizawl, but the damage was already done, as Gokulam took home the three points.

One of Gokulam Kerala’s support staff was sent off towards the end of the match, for showing dissent.

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