Naoba Meitei's Last-Minute Goal Secures Victory for Rajasthan United FC

Rajasthan United FC Triumphs Over Gokulam Kerala FC

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], April 7: In a thrilling finish, Naoba Meitei's stoppage-time goal propelled Rajasthan United FC to a 1-0 victory against Gokulam Kerala FC during the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 match held at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium on Tuesday.

After a tense match that remained scoreless for over 100 minutes, Meitei's late strike clinched three crucial points for the home team, elevating them to second place in the standings with 14 points, while Gokulam Kerala FC lingered in seventh with eight points. Meitei was named Man of the Match, according to an IFL announcement.

Rajasthan United's head coach Vikrant Sharma made a single adjustment to his starting lineup, introducing Pranjal Bhumij in the midfield. In contrast, Gokulam Kerala's coach Dimitris Dimitriou opted for two changes, including the return of goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil.

The match began with Gokulam showing promise, as Thabiso Nelson Brown tested Rajasthan's captain and goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri early on. Gokulam maintained possession in the initial stages but struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.

As the game progressed, Rajasthan began to assert themselves, nearly scoring in the 21st minute when Amadou Soukouna set up Jonathan Fernandes, who unfortunately missed the target. Soukouna soon tested Shibinraj with a curling shot, signaling the hosts' growing pressure.

Just before halftime, Rajasthan came close to breaking the deadlock with a series of chances. Soukouna hit the crossbar, while Thomyo L. Shimray's header was saved, and Fernandes' acrobatic attempt was thwarted by a vigilant Shibinraj, leaving the first half scoreless.

Gokulam almost took the lead early in the second half, but Brown failed to connect with a dangerous cross. Rajasthan responded with Thomyo Shimray continuing to challenge the defense, yet both teams struggled to find the finishing touch.

The match remained tightly contested, with opportunities for both sides. Gokulam substitute Benjamin Thomas Kuku nearly scored in the 73rd minute, but Malla made a vital save to keep the score level. Rajasthan also threatened through Isaac Nortey and substitute Naoba Meitei, but they could not find the breakthrough.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Rajasthan finally found the net in the 101st minute. Naoba Meitei cut in from the left and fired a right-footed shot towards the near post, catching the goalkeeper off guard and securing a dramatic win.

Despite Gokulam's attempts to push forward in the final moments, Rajasthan held their ground to claim a hard-earned victory in a fiercely contested match.