GANGTOK,: One red card, seven goals—including two penalties—excellent saves from both goalkeepers, and a home crowd on the edge of their seats.
The pre-quarterfinal match between I-League club Gokulam FC Kerala and Sikkim champions Sikkim Police proved to be a thrilling spectacle, living up to its billing as a must-watch encounter.
In the end, the professional side triumphed in a seven-goal thriller at Paljor Stadium, advancing to the quarterfinal stage of the 40th Governor’s Gold Cup.
Gokulam FC, despite this being their first match in the tournament, started strong, demonstrating their professional pedigree against the State champions. Boosted by their three foreign players, the Kerala side struck early, taking the lead in the 3rd minute through Joris Correa.
Displaying crisp passing, quick transitions, and an efficient high press, Gokulam FC repeatedly sliced through the Sikkim Police defense, constantly threatening to score. However, it was some valiant goalkeeping from Pujan Pradhan that kept the scoreline from ballooning in the first half. Despite his heroics, Pradhan had no answer to two clinical finishes from Abdu Lumala, who found the back of the net in the 15th and 24th minutes, the latter from the penalty spot.
By halftime, Gokulam FC had built a commanding 3-0 lead, and Sikkim Police had struggled to create meaningful opportunities, having barely tested the opposition goalkeeper.
Second Half Drama
The second half was a completely different story. Sikkim Police came out with renewed passion and purpose, pulling a goal back within four minutes. Boxer Pradhan found the back of the net in the 49th minute, giving the home crowd hope.
Things then took another twist when Gokulam FC lost their skipper, Aman Gaikwad, who was sent off after a reckless foul on a Sikkim Police player. The incident led to the player being taken off in an ambulance, and Gokulam FC were reduced to 10 men for the remaining 35 minutes of the match. Despite being a player down, the Kerala side was composed and made slight adjustments in their playing style. Using their wingers effectively, they pushed forward and extended their lead in the 66th minute when JN Vadim Javed curled in a beautiful shot, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
With the man advantage, Sikkim Police pressed harder, launching wave after wave of attacks on the Gokulam FC goal. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Boxer Pradhan coolly converted, making it 4-2 and setting the stage for a tense final 15 minutes.
The home crowd was in full voice, and substitute Surag Chettri pulled a sensational strike out of the bag to reduce the deficit to just one goal, making it 4-3. However, despite their best efforts, Sikkim Police could not find the equalizer. Gokulam FC goalkeeper Sujith M made two crucial saves, keeping his team in the lead and preserving the victory.
With the final whistle, Gokulam FC secured a hard-fought 4-3 win, booking their place in the quarterfinals, where they will face Transport United FC from Bhutan on November 16.
Today’s Match
Gangtok Himalayan SC vs Sudeva FC, Delhi
Peep! 2 pm