Gokulam Kerala extend their unbeaten run against Rajasthan United FC in IFL 2026-27 season
The Desert Warriors are yet to register a victory this season
Gokulam Kerala FC registered a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Rajasthan United FC in their Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 encounter at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium on Saturday.
The result propelled the two-time champions to the top of the league standings with six points from two matches, while Rajasthan United remain at the bottom without a point.
Crislan da Silva proved to be the difference-maker, scoring the decisive goal in the 68th minute to secure all three points for the Malabarians. The Brazilian was also involved in a crucial incident ten minutes later, as Novin Gurung received a straight red card for bringing him down while he was through on goal.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, Rajasthan United FC fought hard for an equaliser in the final stages, but Gokulam’s defence stood firm.
A spirited first half for both sides
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Both teams started with an attacking approach, looking to exploit the wide areas and create opportunities through crosses. Within the opening two minutes, Gokulam’s Sachu Siby and Rajasthan’s Brijesh Giri delivered dangerous balls into the penalty area, setting the tone for an entertaining contest.
Victor da Silva produced the first meaningful opportunity in the fifth minute. The Gokulam attacker showcased his dribbling ability to get past two defenders before unleashing a powerful low shot, which Rajasthan goalkeeper Amrit Gope collected comfortably.
The hosts responded soon after, with Ricky Vanlalhriatsanga cutting inside from the left before sending his curling attempt wide of the target in the seventh minute.
Gokulam gradually began to enjoy greater possession and looked increasingly confident going forward. Crislan tested Amrit with a long-range effort in the 13th minute, but the goalkeeper was well-positioned to make a routine save.
Rajasthan threatened at the other end through Diego Mauricio. The forward made a strong run into the Gokulam penalty area in the 17th minute, only for his attempt to be blocked behind for a corner. Moments later, Judah Garcia delivered a dangerous cross that took a deflection off Crislan. Shibin Raj reacted quickly to collect the ball on the goal line before Mauricio could reach it.
The first half was subsequently interrupted by injuries to players from both teams. Gokulam were forced into an early substitution after Ayush Adhikari suffered a hamstring injury, with Jobby Justin replacing him. Rajasthan also lost Pardeep Singh, who had to be carried off following a blow near his waist. Shafeel PP came on as his replacement.
Gokulam finished the opening half strongly and came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions. In the 31st minute, Victor delivered a lofted pass into the box for Crislan, but Amrit came off his line to clear the danger. The loose ball reached Makan Chothe, whose first-time attempt towards the unguarded goal narrowly missed the target.
The visitors continued to threaten through their Brazilian combination. Victor’s outswinging corner in the 38th minute found Crislan, who rose above the Rajasthan defenders but directed his header just inches wide of the post. Lalramsanga then tested Amrit with a powerful long-range effort in the 42nd minute, forcing the goalkeeper into a full-stretch dive as the ball went narrowly wide.
Rajasthan had an opportunity to take the lead just before half-time. Brijesh Giri made his way into the Gokulam penalty area and attempted to beat Shibin Raj at the near post with an effort using the outside of his boot. However, his attempt missed the target, ensuring that both teams went into the break goalless.
Crislan seals the winning goal to take advantage of the tie
The second half began at a slower pace, with Gokulam enjoying more possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Much of the action was concentrated in midfield, as both sides looked for openings. The visitors came close in the 58th minute when defender Sarthak Golui advanced for a long throw-in and directed his header narrowly wide.
The demanding playing conditions also affected the tempo of the game. Despite it being November, the afternoon heat in Jaipur took its toll on the players, with several footballers from both teams requiring treatment for cramps.
Gokulam eventually found the breakthrough in the 68th minute. Sarthak Golui sent a long ball towards the attacking third, where Adrian Castellano failed to make a clean headed clearance. Crislan reacted sharply to the loose ball, maintained his composure and chipped it over the advancing Amrit Gope to put the visitors ahead.
Rajasthan immediately attempted to find a response. Christopher Kamei stepped up to take a free-kick from a promising position in the 73rd minute, but his effort struck the Gokulam defensive wall and failed to trouble Shibin Raj.
The hosts suffered another setback in the 78th minute when they were reduced to 10 men. Victor da Silva played an excellent through ball into Crislan’s path, allowing the Brazilian to race towards goal. Novin Gurung brought him down just outside the penalty area while being the last defender, leaving the referee with little choice but to show him a straight red card. Gokulam were subsequently awarded a free-kick.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Rajasthan refused to give up and increased their attacking intensity in the closing stages. Pranjal Bhumij emerged as their biggest attacking threat, particularly from the left flank. In the 84th minute, he cut inside before unleashing a low shot towards the near post, but Shibin Raj reacted well to make the save.
Pranjal threatened again in the first minute of stoppage time, repeating his move from the left before curling a powerful effort towards goal. However, Shibin remained alert and produced another important save to deny the Rajasthan attacker.
The hosts continued pushing forward in search of a late equaliser, but Gokulam Kerala FC maintained their defensive discipline and saw out the remaining minutes to secure a valuable away victory.
Gokulam Kerala FC will next travel to face Nagaland United Sports Club at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium in Dimapur on November 14. Meanwhile, Rajasthan United FC will look to bounce back when they take on Samaleswari SC away from home at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Rourkela on November 15.
What was the result of the Rajasthan United vs Gokulam Kerala FC match in IFL 2026–27?
Gokulam Kerala FC defeated Rajasthan United FC 1-0 in their IFL 2026–27 encounter.
Who scored the winning goal for Gokulam Kerala FC?
Crislan da Silva scored the only goal of the match in the 68th minute.
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