Kalyani, April 18: In a thrilling match of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26, Diamond Harbour FC triumphed over Gokulam Kerala FC with a score of 5-2, solidifying their position at the top of the table. This defeat ensures Gokulam Kerala’s place in the relegation zone.
The match, held at the Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal, saw Bouba Aminu give the ‘Malabarians’ an early lead in the 17th minute. However, Luka Majsen equalized for Diamond Harbour before halftime. The second half began with Hugo Diaz scoring two quick goals, followed by additional strikes from Joby Justin and R. Ramdinthara, sealing a remarkable victory for the hosts. Rahul Raju managed to score Gokulam Kerala’s second goal. Hugo Diaz was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding performance.
Diamond Harbour finished the first round at the top of the table with 22 points from 9 matches, while Gokulam Kerala remained in the bottom four with just 8 points from the same number of matches.
The match kicked off with Diamond Harbour displaying an aggressive approach, creating a goal-scoring opportunity within the first minute. Hugo Diaz tested goalkeeper Raksit Dagar with a shot from the edge of the box, but the ball went directly into the keeper’s hands. Throughout the match, Diamond Harbour maintained possession, yet Gokulam Kerala created the better chances.
After sustained pressure, the visiting team took the lead in the 17th minute from a corner kick. Bouba Aminu, unmarked in the box, capitalized on a pass from Kasimov, heading the ball into the net.
Just after the drinks break, Diamond Harbour equalized with a brilliant move. Paul Ramfangzauwa delivered a perfectly timed through ball to Joby Justin, who set up Luka Majsen for a header that beat the goalkeeper.
The second half started at a fast pace, with four goals scored in the first 15 minutes, alongside several missed opportunities. Hugo Diaz initiated the scoring spree, netting two goals within three minutes. For his first goal, Luka Majsen assisted Halicharan Narzary, who returned the ball into the box. Diaz timed his run perfectly and calmly finished without pressure.
Two minutes later, Diaz exploited Diamond Harbour’s weak defense during a long throw. Melroy Assisi touched the ball first, and after a deflection off Mikel Cortazar, it fell right into Diaz’s path. The Spanish player then executed a powerful volley, marking his second goal of the match.
Four minutes later, Rahul Raju scored for the Malabarians, narrowing the score to 3-2. Thabiso Brown set up Moses Lalrinzuala, who delivered a fantastic cross to the back post, where Rahul scored with a powerful header.
In search of an equalizer, the visiting team pushed most of their players forward, but Diamond Harbour struck again just after the hour mark, making it 4-2. Robilal Mandi sent a high ball to the back post, where Joby Justin outjumped his defender to head the ball past the goalkeeper.
Diamond Harbour responded with a counter-attack, taking advantage of the opposition’s defensive gaps to score their fifth goal. Halicharan played a crucial role, passing to substitute Ramdinthara, who finished clinically past the goalkeeper.
Despite conceding five goals, the visiting team continued to press for more, with Benjamin Kuku and Brown creating significant opportunities. Ultimately, no further goals were scored, and Diamond Harbour completed the first round of the Indian Football League with a resounding victory. This win propelled them to the top of the points table, establishing a four-point lead over their nearest rival. Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala’s defeat confirmed their position in the bottom four, forcing the two-time champions to fight hard to salvage their reputation in the remaining matches.
Leave a Comment