Jaipur, April 7 (NationPress) In a thrilling finish, Naoba Meitei’s stoppage-time goal propelled Rajasthan United FC to a narrow 1-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC during the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 match held at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium on Tuesday.

After more than 100 minutes of a scoreless battle, Meitei found the net deep in added time, securing crucial three points for the home team, which ascended to second place on the leaderboard with 14 points. Gokulam Kerala FC, on the other hand, remained in seventh position with eight points. Meitei’s exceptional performance earned him the title of Man of the Match.

Rajasthan United’s head coach, Vikrant Sharma, made a tactical adjustment to his starting lineup, introducing Pranjal Bhumij in the midfield. In contrast, Gokulam Kerala’s coach, Dimitris Dimitriou, made two changes, including the return of goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil.

The visiting team began strongly, with Thabiso Nelson Brown testing Rajasthan's captain and goalkeeper, Bhabindra Malla Thakuri, early in the match. Gokulam maintained possession in the initial stages but struggled to create clear opportunities.

As the match progressed, Rajasthan began to assert themselves and came close to scoring in the 21st minute when Amadou Soukouna set up Jonathan Fernandes, who unfortunately failed to convert. Soon after, Soukouna himself challenged Shibinraj with a curling shot, as the hosts started to apply pressure.

Just before half-time, the Desert Warriors had a flurry of chances, coming closest to scoring with Soukouna hitting the crossbar, a header from Thomyo L. Shimray being saved, and an acrobatic attempt from Fernandes thwarted by a vigilant Shibinraj, leaving the first half goalless.

Gokulam nearly secured a lead early in the second half, but Brown missed a critical opportunity inside the box. Rajasthan responded with Thomyo Shimray continuing to pose a threat, yet both teams struggled to find the finishing touch.

The match remained finely balanced, with opportunities for both sides. Gokulam substitute Benjamin Thomas Kuku nearly broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, but Malla delivered a crucial save to maintain parity. Rajasthan also threatened through Isaac Nortey and Naoba Meitei, yet they could not find the breakthrough.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Rajasthan finally clinched the win in the 101st minute. Naoba Meitei cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed shot into the near post, leaving the goalkeeper off-guard and sealing a sensational victory.

Despite Gokulam's attempts to equalize in the dying moments, Rajasthan held firm to claim a hard-fought win in a fiercely contested match.