I-League 2024-25: Gokulam Kerala FC stays in title contention after victory against nine-man Namdhari FC
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Synopsis
Gokulam Kerala FC continued their pursuit of the 2024-25 I-League title with a thrilling 3-1 win over nine-man Namdhari FC. This victory positions them just three points behind the league leaders, showcasing their resilience and determination as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Key Takeaways
- Gokulam Kerala FC won 3-1 against Namdhari FC.
- Gokulam Kerala is in fourth place in the I-League.
- Namdhari FC had two players sent off during the match.
- The victory marks Gokulam's third consecutive away win.
- Gokulam Kerala is only three points behind the league leaders.
Ludhiana, March 17 (NationPress) Gokulam Kerala FC kept their title aspirations alive in the 2024-25 I-League with an impressive 3-1 victory against the nine-man Namdhari FC at the Namdhari Stadium on Monday.
Thabiso Brown (57’), Adama Niane (81’), and Ignacio Abeledo (90+2’) were the goal scorers for the visitors, while Manvir Singh (63’) scored the lone goal for Namdhari, with all the action occurring in a fiercely competitive second half.
Gokulam Kerala currently occupies the fourth spot in the I-League standings with 31 points from 19 matches, trailing the league leaders, Churchill Brothers, by just three points, although the latter has a game in hand. The Malabarians' determination will be put to the test as they approach their final three fixtures in pursuit of the championship. They have now achieved three consecutive away victories.
For Namdhari FC, this match was a harsh setback as their title ambitions dwindled. The home team found themselves down to 10 men in the 27th minute when defender Sukhandeep Singh was sent off for a second yellow card, significantly altering the course of the match. The situation worsened when Cledson Carvalho Dasilva was dismissed for dissent in the 60th minute, leaving Namdhari with just nine players.
Despite the disadvantages, Gokulam Kerala initially struggled to take advantage. The first half ended without goals, thanks to the remarkable saves from young goalkeeper Nishan Singh, who thwarted attempts from Abhijith K, Martin Chaves, and Sergio Llamas Pardo.
The breakthrough for Gokulam Kerala arrived in the 57th minute when Abeledo sent a cross that was poorly judged by Namdhari’s Gursimrat Singh. The ball fell kindly for Brown, who headed it home, giving Gokulam the lead.
However, Namdhari fought back, and despite being a man down, they equalised six minutes later when Manvir Singh connected with Bhupinder Singh’s free-kick to score with a precise header.
As the match seemed headed for an unexpected draw, Gokulam Kerala finally capitalised on their numerical advantage. In the 81st minute, Llamas spotted Niane making a run and delivered a long ball over the defence, which Niane converted effortlessly to regain the lead for Gokulam. In stoppage time, Abeledo sealed the victory with a powerful left-footed shot, ensuring that Gokulam Kerala emerged with all three points.
