MAHILPUR: On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, a revitalized Gokulam Kerala FC defeated Delhi FC 5-0 in a crucial i-League 2024-35 away game at the Mahilpur Football Stadium, kicking off their 2024-25 I-League campaign after the Christmas and New Year break.
The club overcame their five-match winless record in dramatic fashion, displaying a fresh sense of passion and zeal. At halftime, the winners had a 1-0 lead.
The most impressive player was Adama Niane, who scored twice to start the scoring run with help from Rahul Raju, Sinisa Stanisavic, and Ignacio De Loyola Abeledo.
Gokulam Kerala went from seventh to third place in the league rankings with their decisive victory, which was only their second of the season after an opening triumph over Sreenidi Deccan FC. After seven games—two victories, four draws, and one defeat—they now have ten points.
Delhi FC, on the other hand, was dissatisfied and confined to seventh place with eight points after being overwhelmed and ineffectual, especially in the offensive third.
However, the game started with Delhi FC trying a number of attempts on goal, all of which were easily stopped by Shibinraj Kunniyil, the alert goalkeeper for Gokulam Kerala.
But as the match went on, Gokulam Kerala settled into a groove and took control. When Stanisavic’s strong header struck Soosairaj’s accurate cross from the left, they were very close to taking the lead. However, Lalmuansanga, the goalie for Delhi FC, made an incredible save.
In the 41st minute, Tondomba Singh Naorem’s challenge on Niane resulted in a penalty, marking the last breakthrough. After Niane’s spot kick was first saved, Gokulam Kerala took the lead thanks to a flawless rebound.
Delhi FC tried to equalize in the second half, but their aggressive style made them exposed at the back, and Gokulam Kerala gladly took advantage of the openings. After a fantastic through pass put him one on one with the goalie, Niane rounded Lalmuansanga to double his score in the 63rd minute.
Raju subsequently scored the third goal in the 81st minute after Delhi defender Danilo Augusto Azevedo made a defensive error.
As Gokulam Kerala persisted in pressing, their efforts were further rewarded in the 89th minute when Sergio Llamas Pardo deftly redirected Abelado’s cross to an unmarked Stanisavic, who tapped in the fourth goal. Gokulam Kerala won 5-0 thanks to a commanding performance by Pardo, who set up Abeledo for a strong left-footed goal in injury time.
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