Gokulam Kerala ride on Alex’s treble to dismantle Rajasthan United
KOZHIKODE: Gokulam Kerala FC thrashed a hapless Rajasthan United FC 5-0 to extend their unbeaten start to I-League 2023-24 at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
The build-up to the game was a study in contrasts, Gokulam Kerala riding a wave of confidence after a routine demolition of NEROCA, and Rajasthan a picture of dejection with two losses in two and a defence leaking goals. In the opening quarter though, those unfamiliar would’ve struggled to say which was which. Both teams were guilty of lacking composure in the final third, the midfield disjointed and unable to cohesively create meaningful attacks.
The first half chance was created by the visitors, off a counter no less. Ragav Gupta brilliantly switched the play from left to right, the ball landing at the feet of Lalchungnunga Chhangte, and lots of grass for him to run at. The winger did just that, running free into the box and cutting the ball back towards the centre. Unfortunately, his delivery was just behind Richard Gadze, who somehow, commendably, brought it under his control but could do less after he did so.
It was a catalyst for Gokulam to start playing some football, and soon enough they were doing just that, Rajasthan reliant on the ability of Sachin Jha to ensure they did not leak goals. The shot-stopper saved a long ranger from Komron Tursonov, blocked a one-on-one against Nili Perdomo and was responsible for bringing all the dangerous crosses within his control. In the end, though, he was only delaying the inevitable.
In the 33rd minute, Nili drifted past a series of Rajasthan defenders as if they didn’t exist, to drive into the box and cut the ball back towards the penalty spot. It was met perfectly by an onrushing Tursonov, to give the home team a well-deserved lead. RUFC’s best opportunity came soon after, Salam Ranjan illegally hacking down Jefferson de Oliveira’s brilliant run just outside the box. A diving Devansh Dabas saved the ensuing freekick to protect Gokulam’s lead.
Gokulam kept the pressure up in the second half, their midfield overrunning Rajasthan’s defence with speed and finesse. In the 50th minute, Muhammed Saheef drifted past the defence with only Jha to beat in goal. His touch was a bit too heavy, though, allowing the keeper to gather.
Ten minutes later Rajasthan had a great opportunity of their own, Lalchungnunga blasting high after picking up the ball just outside the box. Gokulam made them pay for the miss immediately. After a series of corners, Edu Bedia delivered one to the far post, where Alex Sanchez rose high to double their lead. It had been coming, and was deserved but Rajasthan’s sleeping defence was guilty of the most amateur of errors.
They added a third in the 69th, Justine Emanuel, Sanchez and Sreekuttan VS combining brilliantly, at pace after stealing the ball in midfield, to consolidate the victory. Bedia’s genius aided in the fourth, his pass splitting a brittle defence for Sanchez to score a second. The Spaniard completed his hat trick in the 88th minute, finishing neatly into the far corner after PN Noufal had played him into the box. Jha’s save from Sanchez’s penalty in injury time was the highlight for Rajasthan on an otherwise unforgettable evening. Gokulam meanwhile got two wins in a row and will hope for a third next week when they face TRAU. Rajasthan United take on Churchill Brothers next time.
Gokulam Kerala FC: 5 (Komron Tursunov 33′, Alex Sanchez 61′, 74′, 88′, Sreekuttan VS 69′)
Rajasthan United FC: 0
Also Read: Vikram Partap Singh: From Rising Star to Key Player – An Exclusive Interview
Also Read: AIFF Executive Committee meeting: FIFA President to attend Santosh Trophy final
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced Maharashtra State U-20 Men’s Football Team which will participate in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship to be…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC finish runner-up in Mumbai Premier League
Aimar Adam’s second-half brace secures MH Oranje FC a 2-0 win over MIllat as they finish Runner-Up of Mumbai Premier League 2023-24 season. In a closely contested match in the…
Subrata Pal: The playing standard of the Reliance Foundation Development League has improved with every passing year
Anticipation mounts as Reliance Foundation Development League 2023-24 semi-finalists set the stage for the National Championship – Mumbai, May 6, 2024: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 gears up for…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…