Gokulam Kerala FC defeated HOPS FC 5-1 to maintain their stellar play in the Indian Women’s League. On Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Gokulam’s skill was on display as they extended their winning streak to four games. Gokulam’s standout players were Soumya Guguloth, who scored a hat-trick, and Anju Tamang, who also had three assists and two goals of her own.
Table of Contents
Gokulam’s Strategic Approach:
Gokulam showed composure and resolve right away, constantly focusing on the left flank to take advantage of holes in the HOPS defense. They used overloads on the left side as part of their strategic plan, which worked well for dismantling the opposition.
The Impact of Soumya Guguloth and Anju Tamang:
Anju Tamang’s inventive contributions and Soumya Guguloth’s clinical finishing were key components of Gokulam’s outstanding performance. Tamang’s three assists and two goals demonstrated her versatility and ability to create opportunities for others, while Guguloth’s hat-trick demonstrated her predatory instincts in front of goal.
HOPS’ Defensive Challenges:
In especially, HOPS FC’s defense failed to hold off Gokulam’s offensive threats. Their undue dependence on important figures, like Gladys Amfobea and Frederica Torkudzor, made them open to coordinated attacks by Gokulam.
Key Moments in the Match:
There were multiple pivotal moments in the match that shaped Gokulam’s victory. Before halftime, Tamang’s header and assist added to Gokulam’s lead, which had been established by Fazila Ikwaput’s clever flick.
Gokulam’s Defensive Resilience:
Gokulam maintained a commanding lead, but he played a staunch defensive game that prevented HOPS from pulling back. They maintained control of the game by limiting HOPS’s attacking opportunities through organization and determination.
Second Half Dominance:
Gokulam added two more goals to their tally in the second half as they maintained their dominance. Once again, Tamang and Guguloth’s partnership paid off, as Tamang assisted Guguloth’s goal once more and then scored herself by combining with Sandhiya Ranganathan, the substitute.
HOPS’ Late Consolation Goal:
Deep into injury time, HOPS were able to rally with a consolation goal thanks to a penalty kick converted by Torkudzor following an Amfobea foul inside the Gokulam box. Gokulam won, though, so it was insufficient to save the outcome.
League Standings and Implications:
Gokulam Kerala FC, who now have 17 points from eight games, jumped to the top of the Indian Women’s League standings after this victory. With two games remaining and only a single point differential, Odisha FC is, nevertheless, quite far behind. Meanwhile, with 10 points from eight games, HOPS FC is still in fourth place.
Conclusion:
The decisive win over HOPS FC by Gokulam Kerala FC highlights their supremacy in the Indian Women’s League. As they continue to strive for victory in the competition, Gokulam’s title hopes appear bright, especially with important players like Soumya Guguloth and Anju Tamang in excellent form.
Gokulam Kerala FC Starting XI
Payal (GK), Kritina, Ratan, Ratan, Fazila, Roja, Pheoby, Anju Tamang, Soumya, Grace (C), Ashalata, Shilky
HOPS FC Starting XI
Anshika (GK), Sharda, Kipgen, Fedrica (C), Gladys, Aarti, Mamta, Shailja, Varshika, Rinku, Jyoti
