Heavy rain lashed the Corporation Stadium on Sunday night, offering a timely reminder that the monsoon season is just around the corner. But while the weather made its presence felt, it was Gokulam Kerala that stole the spotlight with a commanding performance to reclaim the Kerala Premier League (KPL) title.
In an all-Kozhikode final against Calicut FC, Gokulam emerged 3-2 winners in a match that delivered excitement from the opening whistle. The victory marked Gokulam’s return to the top of Kerala football, five years after their last KPL triumph.
The final could not have started better for Gokulam. Mohamed Bilal struck twice within the opening five minutes, leaving Calicut FC stunned and chasing the game from the outset. The early goals set the tone for a contest in which Gokulam consistently looked the stronger side.
The opening goal came after a brilliant move down the left flank. Muhammed Sinan broke through the defence and delivered a precise pass for Bilal, who finished confidently. Just three minutes later, Bilal doubled the lead. This time, a long ball from Aman Gaikwad, launched from deep inside his own half, found the forward in space, allowing him to score his second goal of the evening.
Despite the early setback, Calicut FC refused to give up. Ameen pulled one back in the 37th minute, his third goal in just two matches, giving his side renewed hope before halftime. The goal reduced the deficit to 2-1 and kept the contest alive heading into the second half.
However, Gokulam maintained control for much of the game and restored their two-goal cushion in the 72nd minute. Sinan, who had already contributed significantly to the attack, got his name on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal to make it 3-1.
Calicut FC continued to fight until the final whistle and found a late consolation goal in stoppage time. Substitute Rifhath Ramzan headed home from a corner kick in the 94th minute, narrowing the scoreline to 3-2. But the goal arrived too late to alter the outcome.
Having struggled to make a major impact during the recent I-League season, Gokulam Kerala seized their opportunity in the state competition and produced a performance worthy of champions. Their early attacking display and overall control of the final ensured that the KPL trophy would once again return to their cabinet.
Final Result: Gokulam Kerala 3 (Mohamed Bilal 2, 5; Muhammed Sinan 72) beat Calicut FC 2 (Ameen 37; Rifhath Ramzan 90+4).
