Gokulam Kerala snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Nagaland United as Victor da Silva scored a stoppage-time penalty.
Nagaland United FC suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at their home ground against Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Football League 2026-27 after conceding a penalty in stoppage time. The hosts looked set to earn a point after fighting back in the closing minutes, but Victor da Silva had the final say from the spot to hand Gokulam all three points.
Despite the unfavourable outcome, Nagaland football fans will remember this historic day as they witnessed their home team playing on their home ground for the first time. A crowd of 3,197 attendees came to enjoy the atmosphere at Chümoukedima Football Stadium. Fans will remember the home side’s fight till the last moment. The victory provides Gokulam Kerala FC with significant stability at the top of the points table, as they are currently the strongest team in the league and remain unbeaten.
Crislan puts Gokulam Kerala ahead
Gokulam Kerala started the game on a positive note and found the breakthrough in the 19th minute. Crislan opened the scoring with a left-footed finish from inside the box after receiving a pass from Makan Chothe. They carried the momentum for the rest of the first half, troubling Nagaland to find possession.
Half-time ends with Gokulam Kerala FC taking a 1-0 advantage into the half-time break.
The second half saw a severe comeback from Nagaland, forcing Gokulam to make several substitutions. As the pressure intensified, the game turned out to be more physical. Both teams continued to fight for control. Six times, the referee warned the players, showing yellow cards to players Eric Remruatpuia of Nagaland United, while Gokulam Kerala’s Naresh Singh, Shighil Nambrath and Lalramsanga were also booked.
Both sides made changes in an attempt to manage the game, with Nagaland United bringing on PC Pazawna and Malsawmzuala Tlangte, while Gokulam introduced Germanpreet Singh and Gyamar Nikum.
Two penalties decide the contest
The stoppage time showcased one of the most intense fights of the season. With ten minutes added by the fourth official, Nagaland United found their equaliser in the 90+7th minute, giving the home crowd one of the finest memories of all time. Zomuansanga Lalnunzira stepped up and calmly converted a right-footed penalty to make it 1-1.
The hosts had little time to enjoy the moment. At the end of the day, the defensive approach of Nagaland changed the story. In the last minute of stoppage time, Gokulam Kerala was awarded a penalty shortly afterwards, and Victor da Silva took responsibility. The Brazilian forward made no mistake, sending his right-footed effort into the top centre of the goal in the 90+10th minute.
The late strike proved decisive as Gokulam Kerala held on for a 2-1 victory when the referee blew the final whistle at 90+11. The match left the home team disappointed, but they will also be happy to be in the contest till the final whistle against a team that is yet to suffer a defeat this season.
IFL 2026-27 – Nagaland United vs Gokulam Kerala highlights
Read more about Indian Football
