Gokulam Kerala FC Dominates NEROCA FC with a 4-1 Victory in I-League 2023-24

Captain Alejandro Sanchez Lopez demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting twice in the 48th and 88th minutes, propelling Gokulam Kerala FC to a dominant 4-1 victory, further compounding NEROCA FC’s woes in the I-League 2023-24, held at the EMS Stadium on a Sunday.

The goal-scoring action commenced with Nili Perdomo finding the back of the net in the 28th minute, followed by Justine Ojoka Emmanuel extending the lead in the 85th minute. NEROCA FC managed to salvage a goal with David Simbo’s strike in the 83rd minute.

This win marked Gokulam Kerala’s first triumph in the 2023-24 I-League season, while NEROCA FC suffered their second consecutive defeat, conceding four goals once again.

Gokulam Kerala initiated their offensive maneuvers early in the game, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by NEROCA. P.N Noufal seized the opportunity but narrowly missed the target. This early scare set the tone for NEROCA’s struggles as Gokulam Kerala assumed control of the match.

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Gokulam Kerala orchestrated their attacks through intelligent midfield play, with precise passes and well-placed through balls that exploited spaces behind the NEROCA defense. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Noufal’s through ball found Alejandro Lopez, who, in turn, set up Nili Perdomo for a clinical finish past NEROCA’s onrushing goalkeeper, Soram Meitei Poirei.

The momentum continued in Gokulam’s favor, and in the 48th minute, they doubled their lead. Substitute Abhijith K capitalized on a mistake by NEROCA’s Balwinder Singh, leading to a precise finish by Sanchez. This goal further solidified Gokulam’s command over the game as they displayed growing confidence and cohesion.

NEROCA FC made an effort to find their footing and managed to break their scoring drought in the 83rd minute. From a corner following a blocked shot by Haidar Awada, David Simbo headed home Nonganba Singh Akoijam’s delivery.

Rather than being disheartened, this goal motivated Gokulam Kerala, and they added two more goals in the next five minutes to seal the game. In the 85th minute, Justine Ojoka Emmanuel, a substitute, made a penetrating run into the NEROCA box and saw his shot deflected off a NEROCA defender into the net.

Gokulam Kerala’s fourth goal came from the penalty spot after NEROCA defender Surajit Seal fouled Emmanuel inside the box. Sanchez converted the penalty, securing his second goal of the match and completing the 4-1 victory.