GANGTOK, OCT 6: Gokulam Kerala FC advanced to the next round of the prestigious All India Governor’s Gold Cup Knockout Football Tournament with a convincing 4-1 victory over Sikkim Premier League champions Thunderbolt Northerns United in the second pre-quarterfinal at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, on Tuesday.
Despite the final scoreline, Thunderbolt Northern United produced a spirited performance against the seasoned Kerala outfit, displaying impressive fighting spirit and refusing to surrender easily throughout the contest.
Gokulam Kerala opened the scoring in the ninth minute through their Mizo winger Lalchungnunga Chhangte, who found the breakthrough early in the match.
Thunderbolt Northern United responded strongly and drew level in the 35th minutes when Karan Rai capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake following a simple cross into the box. The equaliser lifted the home side’s confidence and made for an absorbing contest.
Gokulam, however, regained the advantage just before half-time, with Chote scoring in the 44th minute to make it 2-1. In added time, Danish struck again at 45+2 minutes to give Gokulam Kerala a 3-1 lead at the interval.
The Kerala side continued to assert its dominance after the break, with Victor scored Gokulam’s fourth goal and put the match firmly beyond Thunderbolt’s reach.
The 4-1 defeat, however, did little to diminish the impressive showing of Thunderbolt Northern United. The Sikkim Premier League champions, featuring an all-local squad, matched the Indian Super League-linked Gokulam Kerala side with determination and showcased the growing quality of Sikkim’s domestic football.
Thunderbolt’s players earned appreciation for their attacking intent, discipline and sporting spirit against a much more experienced opponent, making the encounter an entertaining contest for the Paljor Stadium crowd.
Tomorrow, October 7, another home team Sikkim Aakraman SC will take on Odisha XI.
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