Players of Gokulam Kerala FC (in red) celebrate after scoring a goal during the Star Cement IFL football match between NUSC and GKFC at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on November 14. (Photo Courtesy: IFL)
Chümoukedima, November 14 (MExN): Gokulam Kerala FC secured a dramatic 2–1 victory over Nagaland United SC in the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Saturday, snatching the win with a late penalty to claim their third consecutive victory and spoil NUSC’s historic home debut.
Brazilian forward Crislan Henrique Da Silva De Sousa, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, opened the scoring for the visitors in the 18th minute. Zomuansanga converted a penalty in the 90+6th minute to bring Nagaland United level, but Victor Matheus Da Silva Matos struck from the spot in the 90+9th minute to secure all three points for Gokulam Kerala.
With the win, Gokulam Kerala moved to the top of the league table with nine points from three consecutive victories, while Nagaland United remained sixth with three points from two matches.
After a cautious opening, Nagaland United gradually gained control of the midfield and dominated possession, with the home side dictating the tempo in front of their supporters.
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However, against the run of play, Gokulam Kerala broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. Crislan found himself unmarked inside the penalty box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the net, taking his tally to become the league's leading goalscorer.
The visitors absorbed the pressure following the goal, relying on their defensive organisation after the hydration break. Nagaland United, which enjoyed nearly 70 per cent possession, continued to push for an equaliser but found it difficult to break through the visitors' defence.
Gokulam goalkeeper Shibin Raj produced a series of impressive saves to deny the hosts and preserve his side's 1-0 advantage at half-time.
Nagaland United made an early substitution in the 28th minute, bringing on R.H. Laltlanhlua for Laldawngzuala. Zomuansanga was booked in the 40th minute.
The second half began with both sides taking time to regain their rhythm, before Gokulam Kerala began creating opportunities on the counter-attack.
Kerala-born forward Jobby Justin found himself in a one-on-one situation inside the box but sent his attempt wide of the target.
The match also witnessed a flurry of bookings, with Eric Remruatpuia Chhangte (47th minute), Yendrembam Naresh Singh (53rd), Shikil N S (54th) and Lalramsanga (62nd) receiving yellow cards.
Jobby Justin had another opportunity past the hour mark but hesitated to shoot, allowing the Nagaland defence to recover and clear the danger.
Both teams made changes in search of an advantage, with Gokulam introducing Gyamar Nikum for Jobby Justin in the 73rd minute.
The visitors maintained their defensive discipline and denied Nagaland United space in the final third. As the match entered its final quarter, the hosts created their best opportunity of the second half, but Shibin Raj again came to Gokulam's rescue with an important save.
Nagaland United continued to press and came close to scoring again in the 85th minute, but the visitors held firm.
Gokulam Kerala subsequently made two substitutions, bringing on Dennis Agyare Antwi for Crislan in the 86th minute and Wungngayam Muirang in the 89th minute, as they sought to protect their narrow lead.
The contest appeared headed for a 1-0 victory for the visitors until late drama unfolded in stoppage time. Gokulam defender Sarthak Goloui conceded a penalty in the 95th minute, giving the home side an opportunity to equalise.
Zomuansanga stepped up and converted the spot-kick in the 90+6th minute, sending the home crowd into celebration and seemingly securing a point for Nagaland United.
However, the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own in the dying moments. Victor Matheus Da Silva Matos made no mistake from the spot in the 90+9th minute, scoring with virtually the final kick of the match to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory for Gokulam Kerala.
Despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities, Nagaland United were unable to convert their chances into goals. Gokulam, meanwhile, held on through a resolute defensive performance, with Shibin Raj making three to four crucial saves to help his side secure all three points away from home.
