Edge-of-the-seat goalfest ends in favour of Gokulam Kerala against TRAU FC

Gokulam Kerala FC extended their unbeaten run at the start of the Hero I-League 2021-22 campaign to five matches with a 3-2 win over Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU FC) at the Kalyani Stadium on Monday. An early goal from Jithin MS, followed by a brace from Luka Majcen saw the Malabarians get the better of TRAU FC, who registered two goals thanks to a brace from Fernandinho.
Defending champions Gokulam Kerala wasted no time in taking the game to their opponents, finding an early breakthrough in the 2nd minute of the contest. Jithin MS scored for the Malabarians for the third game running, as he made an undetected run into the TRAU FC box to get on the end of a cross from the left flank. TRAU goalkeeper Amrit Gope misjudged the flight of the ball and got stranded in no man’s land, leaving Jithin the easy task of directing the ball into the empty net.
Despite trailing, TRAU FC didn’t lack for any attacking intent of their own, and levelled the contest through Brazilian import Fernandinho in the 8th minute. After Kishan Singh had his snapshot saved by Rakshit Dagar, Fernandinho slid in to poach the rebound and bring TRAU back on level terms.
The parity was to last for a brief period of ten minutes only, as Gokulam Kerala’s talisman Luka Majcen put the defending champions in front once again in the 18th minute. Majcen rose highest in the box to meet a cross from the left flank and place his header back across goal, leaving keeper Amrit Gope no chance.
Gokulam Kerala had a golden opportunity to extend their lead further in the 20th minute when in-form striker Majcen turned provider this time, playing a lofted through ball for Thahir Zaman. Zaman did well to bring down the ball with his first touch, but skied his finish well over the bar.
Gokulam skipper Sharif Mohammad had a look at goal from a free kick in the 39th minute. Although the Afghan international struck the dead ball well, his shot didn’t dip enough in time to draw a save from Amrit Gope.
An eventful first half ended with Gokulam narrowly leading the contest 2 – 1 at half time.
Gokulam Kerala doubled their lead on the other side of the break in the 55th minute. After playing a short corner that failed to find its mark in the box, the partially cleared ball landed at the feet of Luka Majcen. The Slovenian didn’t need a second invitation to grab the chance with both hands, unleashing a first time finish on the volley that rifled into the roof of the net.
With the chips down, TRAU FC showed their fighting spirit once again with an instant response in the 56th minute. Fernando set out on a mazy dribble on the edge of the Gokulam box and bamboozled the defence to come onto his left foot and send a low drive into the far corner, thereby matching Luka Majcen for a brace each.
With the final half an hour promising a nervy showdown, TRAU FC tried to pile the pressure on the defending champions and force an equaliser. TRAU’s best chance came in the dying moments of the game as they committed more and more bodies in attack. With the Gokulam penalty area extremely crowded, a looping cross was met with a towering header at the back post by Akobir Turaev, but his effort was matched with a fantastic save by Rakshit Dagar on the goal line.
Gokulam Kerala forward Luka Majcen was awarded the Hero of the match award for his brace resulting in a victory for his side, taking the Malabarians to the top of the Hero I-League table.
FT: TRAU FC (Fernandinho 8’, 56’) 2-3 Gokulam Kerala FC (Jithin MS 2’, Luka Majcen 18’, 55’)
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Rajasthan United ease past Churchill Brothers to make it four clean sheets in a row
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
AIFF eyes major policy shifts for Indian Football, announces coaching vacancy
In a significant Executive Committee meeting held on July 2, 2025, under the leadership of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the AIFF initiated discussions on several potentially transformative policy proposals. These…
Mumbai Super League 2025-26: Tentative Group Draws are Out
The countdown to the much-awaited Mumbai Football Season 2025-26 has officially begun, following the announcement of the tentative group stage draw for the Mumbai Super League. A total of 46…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
India Dominates Iraq with a resounding 5-0 win in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
India delivered a dominant performance, securing a commanding 5-0 win against Iraq in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Group B encounter. This impressive win marks India’s third consecutive triumph…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
India ease past Timor-Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers
The Indian senior women’s team continued their emphatic run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a commanding 4-0 victory against Timor-Leste at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The raw talent of Priyadharshini Selladurai: From paddy fields of Thiruvarur to Thailand
‘Raw talent’ is how coach Crispin Chettri defines Priyadharshini Selladurai, the Indian women’s national team’s newest goalscorer. As a loose ball landed right in front of her feet just inside…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Crispin Chettri targets improved first-half performances as race to AFC Women’s Asian Cup heats up
Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers has almost turned into a two-horse race after Matchday 3 as India and Thailand are level on six points, with…
AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25: East Bengal FC drawn against clubs from Hong Kong, Cambodia
East Bengal FC were drawn alongside Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) in Group E of the AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage, following the draw…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…