In a thrilling encounter at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib, Gokulam Kerala FC staged a remarkable late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Delhi FC on Monday, February 19, 2024. Despite a lackluster first half that saw Delhi FC take the lead with a Nidhin Krishna own goal, Gokulam Kerala rallied in the final 10 minutes of the game, with captain Álex Sánchez and debutant Lalliansanga Renthlei finding the back of the net. This impressive victory extends Gokulam Kerala’s winning streak to five games and propels them back into second place in the league table with 29 points, just five points behind league leaders Mohammedan Sporting. Meanwhile, Delhi FC suffered their first loss in five games at home and remained in eighth place with 19 points.

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First Half Dominance by Delhi FC

Delhi FC started the match with a dominant display in the first half, controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Skipper Pape Gassama orchestrated most of Delhi FC’s attacks, providing a sumptuous through ball for Gwgwmsar Goyary in the 15th minute, which was well-saved by Gokulam Kerala’s goalkeeper Avilash Paul. Gassama’s free-kick from 30 yards out narrowly missed the target, showcasing Delhi FC’s intent to break the deadlock. The Senegalese midfielder continued to threaten the Gokulam Kerala defense, with Avilash Paul making crucial saves to deny his efforts. However, Delhi FC finally capitalized on their dominance as Nidhin Krishna inadvertently headed Gassama’s corner into his own net, giving the hosts the lead just before halftime.

Gokulam Kerala FC’s Struggles and Injury Setbacks

Despite Delhi FC’s first-half dominance, Gokulam Kerala struggled to create meaningful chances in the attacking third. Captain Álex Sánchez had a limited impact in the first period, with his only notable effort being a shot that drifted wide early in the game. Gokulam Kerala’s attacking woes were compounded by injuries to Nikola Stojanović and Delhi FC’s Alisher Kholmurodov, both of whom had to be substituted in the first half.

Álex Sánchez Leads Gokulam Kerala’s Fightback

The responsibility of sparking a comeback fell on the shoulders of Gokulam Kerala’s captain and league top-scorer, Álex Sánchez. Early in the second half, Álex showcased his attacking prowess, cutting inside from the right flank and unleashing a left-footed shot that narrowly missed the target. Delhi FC goalkeeper Naveen Kumar denied Álex with a terrific save from a header off Vikas’ long throw, keeping the hosts in the lead. However, Álex’s moment would come in the dying moments of the game.

Late Drama and Gokulam Kerala’s Comeback

The final minutes of the match were filled with drama as Gokulam Kerala mounted a thrilling comeback. In the 87th minute, they were awarded a penalty after Gurtej Singh’s handball in the box. Álex Sánchez stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly slotted it into the bottom left corner, only for it to be retaken due to encroachment. Undeterred, Álex confidently converted the penalty again, this time placing it into the bottom right corner to equalize for Gokulam Kerala. However, they were not satisfied with just a draw.

Debutant Heroics: Lalliansanga Renthlei’s Winning Goal

In stoppage time, Gokulam Kerala found the winner through a combination of two substitutes. Noufal PN drove into the box from the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross to debutant Lalliansanga Renthlei, who rose above the defense to head the ball into the back of the net. Renthlei’s goal, coming just 10 minutes into his Gokulam Kerala debut, sealed a dramatic late comeback for the Malabarians and secured all three points.

Conclusion

Gokulam Kerala FC’s victory against Delhi FC showcased their resilience and fighting spirit, as they overcame a first-half deficit to claim a vital win on the road. Captain Álex Sánchez played a pivotal role in the comeback, scoring a brace from the penalty spot, while debutant Lalliansanga Renthlei etched his name into club history with the winning goal. With this victory, Gokulam Kerala solidified their position near the top of the league table and continued their impressive run of form in the competition.

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