I-League 2024-25: Gokulam Kerala FC Ends Winless Run with 5-0 Triumph Over Delhi FC
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Mahilpur, Jan 8 (NationPress) A revitalized Gokulam Kerala FC reignited their 2024-25 I-League journey after the Christmas and New Year hiatus, achieving a remarkable 5-0 victory against Delhi FC in a crucial I-League 2024-25 away match at the Mahilpur Football Stadium on Wednesday. The team displayed a renewed passion and drive as they shattered their five-game winless streak in stunning style. The winners led 1-0 at halftime.
Adama Niane emerged as the standout performer, scoring twice to lead the scoring spree, with crucial contributions from Rahul Raju, Sinisa Stanisavic, and Ignacio De Loyola Abeledo. This impressive victory marked only their second win of the season, following an earlier triumph against Sreenidi Deccan FC, propelling Gokulam Kerala from seventh to third in the league standings. They now have 10 points from seven matches, including two wins, four draws, and one loss.
Conversely, Delhi FC found themselves beleaguered and ineffective, especially in the attacking third, resulting in frustration and leaving them stranded in seventh place with eight points. The match commenced with Delhi FC attempting several shots on target, all comfortably saved by Gokulam Kerala’s vigilant goalkeeper, Shibinraj Kunniyil.
As the match unfolded, Gokulam Kerala discovered their rhythm and began to dominate. They narrowly missed taking the lead when Soosairaj’s precise cross from the left was met with a powerful header by Stanisavic, but Delhi FC’s goalkeeper Lalmuansanga produced a remarkable save.
The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Tondomba Singh Naorem’s challenge on Niane resulted in a penalty. Niane’s initial spot kick was saved, but he capitalized on the rebound, putting Gokulam Kerala ahead.
The second half saw Delhi FC striving to equalize, but their aggressive approach left them vulnerable at the back, which Gokulam Kerala exploited. Niane doubled his tally in the 63rd minute, rounding Lalmuansanga after a superb through ball left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
A defensive error by Delhi defender Danilo Augusto Azevedo then allowed Raju to slot home the third goal in the 81st minute.
Gokulam Kerala continued to press, and their efforts were further rewarded when Abelado’s cross was cleverly redirected by Sergio Llamas Pardo to an unmarked Stanisavic, who tapped in the fourth goal in the 89th minute. The rout was completed in injury time when Pardo set up Abeledo for a powerful left-footed strike, sealing a dominant 5-0 victory for Gokulam Kerala.
