Kolkata: Gokulam Kerala came close to winning the I-League title. Gokulam came close to clinching the title with a 1-0 win over Rajasthan FC on Saturday. With just one point from the remaining two matches in the league, Gokulam Kerala can retain the I-League title.
Even if the second-placed Mohammedans lose any of their next matches, Gokul can still claim the I-League title for the second time. Gokulam’s winning goal was scored by Jordan Fletcher in the 27th minute. After scoring, Gokulam took control of the match and continued to attack Kerala’s goal face. But all the advances of the Malabarians were thwarted by the defense of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan got two chances but Gokulam goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar was the savior. Gokulam came up with new energy in the second half and made good progress. At various times, Gokulam was sowing terror in the face of Rajasthan. As the match progressed, Rajasthan’s Mauro Santos was sent off in the 89th minute. With this, Gokul gained strength again. At this point, coach Anise Jith withdrew and strengthened midfielder Soding Lana to strengthen the defense.
Rajasthan played long balls in the last minutes but it was the opportunistic intervention of defender Amino Bouba that denied Rajasthan victory. Gokulam Kerala won the toss and elected to field. Gokul now has 40 points from 16 matches. With one more point, Kerala will win the national title again. Gokulam Kerala’s next match is against Sreenidhi FC on May 10.