I-League: Late goal seals Lajong’s 4-3 win over Gokulam Kerala

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 4, 2025

Shillong Lajong FC clinched a thrilling 4-3 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC with a dramatic injury-time winner in the I-League 2024-25 at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Monday. The teams were tied 1-1 at halftime in a match that saw constant momentum shifts.

Despite fighting back twice, Gokulam Kerala suffered their fourth consecutive defeat. Phrangki Buam (14′, 50′), Marcos Rudwere (85′), and Renan Paulino (90+5′) scored for Lajong, while Thabiso Brown (9′, 54′) and Mashoor Shereef (88′) found the net for the home side.

With both teams contributing to a significant share of the league’s goals this season, the match was always expected to be a high-scoring affair. Gokulam struck first in the ninth minute when Thabiso Brown latched onto a precise through ball and chipped the advancing Ranit Sarkar to give the hosts an early lead.

Lajong responded quickly, equalizing within five minutes as Buam volleyed home a pinpoint cross from Treimiki Lamurong. The visitors gained momentum, dominating play down the flanks for the remainder of the first half.

Five minutes into the second half, the Buam-Lamurong duo struck again, with Buam finishing a slick reverse pass into the bottom corner to give Lajong the lead. However, Gokulam responded within four minutes, with Brown heading in at the near post from a corner to restore parity.

Both sides launched relentless attacks, with Lajong reclaiming the lead in the 85th minute when Marcos Rudwere latched onto a Gladdy Kharbuli through ball and finished clinically. But Gokulam refused to back down, equalizing three minutes later through a towering header by Mashoor Shereef inside the six-yard box.

Just when it seemed like Gokulam had salvaged a point, Lajong delivered the final blow in injury time. From a central free-kick, Paulino curled his shot around the wall and into the far corner, sealing the win for the visitors.

Gokulam threw everything forward in the dying moments and nearly equalized again, forcing Sarkar into a crucial save. Lajong could have extended their lead when Buam broke away on a counter, but his attempt at an open goal went wide. Nonetheless, the visitors held on for a memorable win.

With this victory, Shillong Lajong climbed to fourth place in the points table. Their next match is against Churchill Brothers on March 7 at 4:30 pm at the Raia Ground, Goa.