Defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC (GKFC) registered a hard-fought 1-0 win over HOPS FC within the Indian Girls’s League (IWL) on the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.
Gokulam had drawn the primary match goalless at house towards Sethu FC.
India worldwide Anju Tamang’s late first-half purpose proved to be the one distinction between the 2 sides, because the Malabarians additionally climbed to the highest of the desk with 4 factors from two matches.
In a match that witnessed end-to-end motion proper from the kick-off, each groups began properly by creating possibilities, however turned out to be futile ones.
Nonetheless, Gokulam Kerala lastly discovered the breakthrough through Tamang in an important second simply earlier than the half-time whistle.
Tamang showcased distinctive ability by executing an ideal header from a cross by Soumya Guguloth from the left, as she directed the ball into the again of the online within the added time of the primary half.
Because the minutes ticked by within the second half, the Malabarians retained command of the match, managing to maintain the ball in the course of the pitch. There have been a number of possibilities at both finish however each goalkeepers exhibited good resolve to maintain their opponents at bay.
The 73rd minute noticed Shilky Devi enter the referee’s books for a foul on an opponent participant. Barring this incident, Gokulam showcased good management for many components of the sport, ultimately returning house with the three factors.
HOPS FC have, up to now, misplaced each their opening video games on house floor and can hope to show issues round once they tackle East Bengal FC on January 4 in Kolkata.
Subsequent up for Gokulam Kerala is one other project away from house, towards Odisha FC on the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on December 20.
