Gokulam Kerala FC Claims First Victory of IFL Season with 2-0 Win Over Dempo SC

Gokulam Kerala FC Triumphs in IFL Match

Manjeri (Kerala) [India], March 20: Gokulam Kerala FC secured their inaugural win of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26, defeating Dempo SC 2-0 at the Payyanad Stadium on Friday. The match featured a first-half goal from Moses Lalrinzuala and a late penalty by Mirjalol Kasimov.

This victory propelled Gokulam Kerala to fifth place in the league standings, accumulating five points from four matches, while Dempo SC languishes at the bottom with just two points from the same number of games. Shibinraj Kunniyil was awarded Player of the Match for his performance.

Head coach Dimitris Dimitriou made four strategic changes to the starting lineup, introducing Nidhin Krishna in central defense, Mirjalol Kasimov in midfield, and forwards Rahul Raju and Moses Lalrinzuala, who replaced Nili Pedromo and John Kennedy.

On the other hand, Dempo's coach Samir Naik also opted for four changes, bringing in Jose Luis Moreno for Mohamed Ali in defense, while midfielders Amay Morajkar and Knerkitalang Buam replaced Ariston Costa and Seigoumang Doungel. Arnold Oliveira took the place of Richmond Owusu on the wing.

The match began as a midfield contest until Moses Lalrinzuala broke the deadlock just before the 20-minute mark. The winger skillfully maneuvered past two defenders and unleashed a low left-footed shot that found the net, leaving goalkeeper Ashish Sibi with no chance.

Gokulam Kerala maintained control, dominating possession and applying pressure on Dempo's defense. Ashish Sibi made a crucial save to deny Trijoy Das, and shortly after, Thabiso Brown's header from a Moses cross hit the crossbar.

Dempo struggled to create opportunities, relying heavily on their foreign players, Sebastian Gutierrez and Marcus Joseph. Their best chance came when Gutierrez set up Marcus in the box, but Shibinraj Kunniyil made a comfortable save, ensuring Gokulam went into halftime with a lead.

In the second half, Gokulam was awarded a penalty after Thabiso Brown was fouled in the box. However, Ashish redeemed himself by saving Brown's penalty attempt, keeping the score at 1-0.

Despite Gokulam's continued dominance, Dempo's Laximan Rane provided some spark on the left wing, but the visitors failed to convert their chances. Ashish Sibi was again called into action, making a sharp save from Brown during a counter-attack.

Gokulam sealed the match with another penalty seven minutes before the end. Kasimov, who earned the penalty after being fouled by Aubin Kouakou, confidently converted it into the top-right corner, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

Dempo attempted a late comeback during seven minutes of added time, creating several chances. Aubin Kouakou, now playing as a makeshift striker, saw his volley miss the target, while Shibinraj made a stunning save to deny Laxmikant Rane's close-range effort.

Ultimately, Gokulam Kerala's two-goal advantage was sufficient to secure their first three points of the season.