On Friday, January 12, 2024, at the EMS Corporation Stadium, holders Gokulam Kerala FC and Kickstart FC fought to a hard-fought goalless draw. It was an exciting match. The two teams, who are now second and third in the IWL standings, faced off, giving fans ninety minutes of furious football action.
Kickstart FC, who are in third place with eight points from five games, squared off against Gokulam Kerala, who are currently in second place with 10 points from four games. This match was expected to be exciting, and both teams delivered a thrilling display of skill, tenacity, and strategic acumen.
Gokulam’s supremacy in possession, especially in the midfield, was evident throughout the game. But even with their command of the game’s tempo, Gokulam found it difficult to translate possession into real goal-scoring chances. The holders ran into trouble in the last third due to a lack of imagination and accuracy.
Gokulam began the first half with a remarkable degree of intensity, setting up a wonderful opportunity for Fazlia Ikwaput in the eighth minute. Nevertheless, the Ugandan international missed the chance, sending the ball over the bar at close range. Gokulam supporters became increasingly irate when Ikwaput struck the post in the sixteenth minute, depriving her team of a crucial lead.
Throughout the game, Kickstart’s defense showed admirable tenacity, blocking Gokulam’s attempts and producing opportunities of their own. The league’s top scorer, Karishma Purshottam Shirvoikar, was a constant threat to Gokulam. In the thirtyth minute, he attempted a noteworthy effort on goal, but Payal Basude denied him, keeping the score tied.
Gokulam was under constant pressure in the second half as Kickstart FC skillfully carried out their counterattacking strategy. Even though Gokulam had more of the ball, their inability to convert possession into clear-cut opportunities in the second half proved to be the undoing of them. Kickstart made the most of their skillfully executed counterattacks and appeared ready to win.
With just two victories in five games this season, Gokulam Kerala FC’s inconsistent play was exposed. Gokulam disappointed both players and supporters with their lackluster performance in this match, especially after winning handily against Sports Odisha. For a team with more expectations, the draw was far from satisfying, even though it was a point earned.
On the other hand, Kickstart FC, positioned just behind Odisha FC, would be delighted with the hard-earned point. Their tactical skill, tenacious defense, and deft use of counterattacks demonstrated their potential as league competitors. Their ability to compete at the highest level was demonstrated by the draw against Gokulam, which also cemented their standings.
In summary, the game between Kickstart FC and Gokulam Kerala FC was an exciting one that highlighted the highs and lows of football. Kickstart’s disciplined defense and potent counterattacking demonstrated their potential as a formidable force in the IWL, while Gokulam’s difficulties in the final third and inconsistent play raised concerns. Both teams will surely be trying to improve their tactics and deal with their own problems as the league goes on in order to have a better chance of winning the championship.
Gokulam Kerala FC Starting XI
Payal, Kritina, Sandy, Ikwaput, Roja, Owiti, Tamang, Guguloth, Dangmei (C), Ashalata, Shilky
Kickstart FC Starting XI
Maibam Linthoingambi Devi, Jabamani, Pakpi, Supriya, Karishma, Preeti, Lepcha, Dalmia (C), Dipa, Aruna, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi
IWL 2023-24 Points table after todays match
| Team | P | W | D | L | Pts |
| Odisha FC | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Kickstart FC | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Gokulam Kerala FC | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| SETHU FC | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| East Bengal FC | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| HOPS FC | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Sports Odisha | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
