In a match brimming with momentum swings and late drama, Mohammedan Sporting Club (MDSC) solidified its position at the top of the I-League table with a stunning 3-2 victory over Gokulam Kerala, sealed with a winner in the dying seconds.
The thrilling encounter at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Sunday was a testament to the league’s competitive spirit, with the outcome uncertain until the final kick of the ball.
Mohammedan’s Early Dominance Meets Gokulam’s Resurgence
The league leaders started with intent and were rewarded in the 16th minute. A clever pass from Alexis Gomez found Lalremsanga Fanai, whose effort was parried by goalkeeper Padam Chhetri, leaving Eddie Hernandez with a simple tap-in to open the scoring.
MDSC doubled their lead just seven minutes later in spectacular fashion. Alexis Gomez received a short pass from David Lalhlansanga and unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box that nestled into the top corner, leaving Chhetri with no chance.
However, Gokulam Kerala refused to capitulate. A moment of individual brilliance from P.N. Noufal brought them back into the contest before halftime. Embarking on a powerful solo run from his own half, Noufal sped down the left flank and finished with a stunning shot into the far top corner.
The home side completed their comeback in the second half when a cross from K. Abhijith was met by a powerful header from Nidhin Krishna, making it 2-2 and setting up a grandstand finish.
Lalhlansanga Strikes at the Death
Just as the match seemed destined for a share of the points, MDSC delivered the final blow. A long ball into the Gokulam box was misjudged by defender Abdul Hakku, allowing David Lalhlansanga to pounce and slot home the winner, sparking wild celebrations from the visiting contingent.
The victory ensures Mohammedan Sporting maintains its pole position in the I-League, now six points clear of third-placed Gokulam Kerala, dealing a significant blow to the latter’s title aspirations.
Namdhari Snatches Last-Minute Victory in Five-Goal Frenzy
In another dramatic I-League fixture, Namdhari Football Club secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Delhi FC, with Akashdeep Singh scoring a 92nd-minute winner at the Namdhari Stadium.
The game exploded into life in the final 20 minutes after a cagey opening. Namdhari broke the deadlock through Harpreet Singh in the 73rd minute, only for Delhi FC’s Alisher Kholmurodov to equalize two minutes later.
Namdhari restored their lead almost immediately, with Ivan Ciaurriz Garrido finding the net in the 76th minute. Delhi FC, showing immense character, fought back again and thought they had secured a point when Gagandeep Bali scored in the 90th minute.
But there was one final twist, as Akashdeep Singh became the home side’s hero, scoring in stoppage time to secure all three points for Namdhari. The win marks their second consecutive victory, lifting them to 10th in the table with 18 points, while Delhi FC remains in eighth place with 22 points.
