Gokulam Kerala FC pulled off a dramatic escape from relegation in the I-League with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Namdhari FC. The match, played at the Gokulam Stadium in Kozhikode, saw the home team snatch all three points with a stoppage-time winner that kept their survival hopes alive.
Match Highlights
Namdhari FC took the lead in the first half through a well-taken goal by their striker. However, Gokulam Kerala equalized early in the second half with a header from their captain. The match seemed destined for a draw until the 94th minute, when a long ball into the box was met by a substitute forward, who slotted home the winner.
The victory lifts Gokulam Kerala out of the relegation zone, giving them a lifeline with two games remaining in the season. Head coach Bino George praised his team's resilience and fighting spirit.
Relegation Battle Intensifies
With this win, Gokulam Kerala now have 24 points from 20 matches, leapfrogging Aizawl FC and Churchill Brothers in the standings. The relegation battle has gone down to the wire, with several teams still at risk of dropping to the second division.
- Gokulam Kerala: 24 points from 20 matches
- Aizawl FC: 23 points from 20 matches
- Churchill Brothers: 22 points from 20 matches
Namdhari FC, meanwhile, remain in mid-table with 31 points and have little to play for except pride.
The I-League season concludes next week, with all relegation-threatened teams playing simultaneous fixtures to ensure fair play.
