Kolkata, May 15 (Agency) Gokulam Kerala FC achieved a new milestone in Indian football history by becoming the first-ever side to win two successive Hero I-League titles after their win against Kolkata side Mohammedan SC, here on Sunday night. A 2-1 triumph was enough for the Malabarians to win the title with a six-point advantage, also ending Mohammedan’s seven-game unbeaten streak in the competition. Mohammedan needed a win to lift the title while Gokulam needed a draw at least to get their hands on the trophy. The stadium of the Yuba Bharati Krirangan was packed with the fans from the Black and White brigade for the final show of the night.
Building on the morale-boosting support, Mohammedan dominated the possession in the first half while Gokulam seemed content trying their luck on the counter. All the goals came in the second half, in eleven minutes. Four minutes into the second-half, the deadlock was broken as Rishad came pacing down the middle and made his finish look easy as he slotted it past Zothanmawia to give his side a crucial lead. Seven minutes later, Marcus Joseph’s freekick picked up a hefty deflection off Azharuddin Mallick and hit the back of the net. Mohammedan needed another goal for the title but the third and final goal of the match was netted by the Malabarians. Just four minutes after the equaliser, Luka Majcen played Emil Benny through on goal and Benny replicated the finish for the first goal as Gokulam led and held onto the advantage till the full-time whistle.
Gokulam did not just become the first team to win back-to-back Hero I-League titles. The Malabarians also added another feather to the cap of Kerala football. Earlier this month, in a similar encounter, Kerala defeated Bengal on penalties to win the 75th Hero Santosh Trophy in their own backyard. Two victories that are guaranteed to inspire the already prospering grassroots football in the state. The All India Football Federation has congratulated Gokulam Kerala FC, which got a total of 43 points. AIFF president Praful Patel congratulated the winners. ” Football in Kerala is on the rise, and the Indian Football spectrum will only further benefit from here.” Patel said.