HOPS 1 (Gladys Amfobea 79’)
beat
Gokulam Kerala 0

AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: HOPS FC pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2024-25 Indian Women’s League as they defeated Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 at the Ambedkar Stadium on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The the match was goalless at the break.

Gladys Amfobea (79’) was the hero for HOPS FC, capitalising on a defensive error to score the only goal of the match and guide her team to their first victory of the season.

Despite the historic win, HOPS FC remain at the bottom of the table with four points from nine matches. Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala suffered their first defeat of the campaign, ending their six-match winning streak. They now sit second in the standings with 20 points from nine games, trailing leaders East Bengal by a single point, with the Kolkata-based side having a game in hand.

Heading into the match, Gokulam Kerala were overwhelming favourites, expected to dominate proceedings against a struggling HOPS side. The visitors immediately took control of possession, dictating the tempo and creating a series of goal-scoring opportunities in the opening half.

However, poor finishing and a lack of composure in the final third saw Gokulam Kerala waste chance after chance. The absence of clinical finishing frustrated their attack, with the league’s top scorers unable to convert their dominance into goals.

While Gokulam Kerala relentlessly pressed forward, HOPS FC focused on defensive organisation. The hosts sat deep, absorbed the pressure, and restricted space for Gokulam’s key players.

Fazila Ikwaput, the league’s top goal scorer, was effectively neutralised by HOPS’ disciplined backline. Every attempt from the visitors to break through was met with resolute defending and well-timed interceptions.

As the match progressed, frustration crept into the Gokulam Kerala camp, and HOPS FC slowly grew in confidence. Their counter-attacks became more frequent, and in the 79th minute, they found the breakthrough thanks to a costly defensive mistake.

Gokulam Kerala’s Phoeby Okech Owiti miscontrolled the ball at the edge of the penalty area, allowing Gladys Amfobea to pounce on the opportunity. The HOPS forward showed great awareness and composure, stealing possession before calmly slotting the ball past the Gokulam Kerala goalkeeper to send the home crowd into celebration.

With a precious lead in hand, HOPS FC tightened their defence in the final minutes, ensuring Gokulam Kerala had no way back into the match.