Crislan da Silva strike puts Gokulam Kerala on top of IFL table
Gokulam Kerala secured a 1-0 win over Rajasthan United in Jaipur on Saturday to move to the top of the league.
Gokulam Kerala FC defeated Rajasthan United FC 1-0 at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday to move to the top of the Indian Football League (IFL) table. The win gives the two-time champions six points from two matches, according to reports from Sportstar, Rediff, and Hindustan Times.
The decisive goal was scored by Crislan da Silva in the 68th minute. The Brazilian player earned the Man of the Match award after reacting quickest to a long ball from Sarthak Golui, which Rajasthan defender Adri Castellano failed to clear properly. Da Silva lifted the ball over goalkeeper Amrit Gope to secure the victory.
Rajasthan United's situation worsened in the 78th minute when Novin received a straight red card for bringing Crislan down near the penalty area. This left the hosts with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
The first half saw several opportunities for both sides. Gokulam's Victor da Silva created an early opening in the fifth minute, while Rajasthan's Diego Mauricio had a shot blocked in the 17th minute. Gokulam's Shibin Raj also claimed a loose ball on the goal line following a cross from Judah Garcia.
Gokulam Kerala will next play Nagaland United Sports Club in Dimapur on November 14. Rajasthan United is scheduled to play its next match away in Rourkela on November 15.