Gokulam Kerala had done the unthinkable in Indian football history as they retained their I-League crown with a 2-1 win over Mohammedan Sporting in front of their home fans at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Malabarians won the title last year but had the zeal and hunger to continue fighting for the league once again under the tutelage of Italian coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese.
They lost their second last match against Sreenidhi Deccan and therefore the league title race was stretchered to the last day where Mohammedan needed a win and Gokulam needed only a draw. But goals from Rishad and Emil Benny saw the Malabraians win the clash as Azharuddin Mallick’s deflected goal off Marcus Joseph’s freekick only remained as a consolation.
The I-League over the years have been massively competitive but now Gokulam winning the league two times in two years has made this league one-sided, proving their dominance and football culture.
Following their win against Mohammedan Sporting by the virtue of which they have successfully defended their I-League crown breathed a sigh of relief. The All India Football Federation president Praful Patel shared a statement where he congratulated the Kozhikode based outfit for their historic achievement as they became the first Indian club to defend their I-league title.
“Congratulations! Gokulam Kerala FC have been dominant all throughout in the Hero I-league 2021-22 edition and they fully deserve the crown. Football in Kerala is on the rise, and the Indian Football spectrum will only further benefit from here,” Patel said in the AIFF statement as he acknowledged the dominance of Kerala football.
“Heartiest congratulations to Gokulam Kerala FC. Defending an I-League crown is extremely tough but they have done it in style — in fact, they are the first Indian club to achieve it. The Gokulam Kerala club model is there to be replicated by all others to move forward together,” stated AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das as he once again highlighted the toughness of winning the league twice in consecutive years.
After the I-League success, Gokulam Kerala will now shift their focus to the AFC Cup as they take on the Indian Super League side ATK Mohun Bagan in their opening match. The Malabarians are in Group D of the continental competition along with ATK Mohun Bagan, Bangladesh champions Bashundhara Kings and Maldivian outfit Maziya Sports and Recreation. It will be interesting to see how Gokulam Kerala holds up against these teams.
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