Rajasthan United 0
lost to
Gokulam Kerala 3 (Thabiso Brown 45’, 81’, Athul Unnikrishnan 57’)

AIFF Media Team

JAIPUR: Former champions Gokulam Kerala FC stayed in the hunt in the I-League 2024-25 with a resounding 3-0 victory over Rajasthan United 3-0 at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The winners led 1-0 at half time.

Lesotho striker Thabiso Brown was the star of the show for the visitors as he netted a brace while Athul Unnikrishnan also contributed a goal to seal the triumph.

This victory has not only marked a return to winning ways for Gokulam Kerala but also propelled them into fourth place in the league standings. With four matches remaining the season, the Malabarians have 28 points from 18 games, six points behind leaders Churchill Brothers.

Rajasthan United, on the other hand, have seen their earlier momentum, highlighted by a 10-match unbeaten streak, dissipate. They now find themselves in eighth place with 24 points from 18 games. On Sunday, the home side struggled to impose themselves in what turned out to be a lacklustre display, starkly contrasted by the visitors’ zeal and tactical discipline.

Following a series of inconsistent performances that had marred their campaign, Gokulam Kerala entered the match with a point to prove. They displayed remarkable control and intent, dictating the pace and flow of the match. Their disciplined defensive setup laid the groundwork for their attacking exploits, which saw Ignacio De Loyola Abeledo and Brown continually threaten the Rajasthan defence.

The deadlock was broken just before the half-time whistle. Abeledo unleashed a formidable left-footed strike that Rajasthan United goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri could only parry. Brown showcased his poaching instincts as he pounced on the rebound to give Gokulam Kerala the lead.

Despite the expectation for Rajasthan United to mount a second-half comeback, it was Gokulam Kerala who maintained their dominance. Their efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute when a well-executed corner found Martin Chaves at the far post. Chaves smartly nodded the ball down to Unnikrishnan, who made no mistake from close range, doubling Gokulam Kerala’s lead.

The victory was sealed in the 81st minute. Abeledo saw his powerful shot being fisted away by Thakuri. Brown, in the right place at the right time, finished the rebound to complete his brace and end the match as a contest.