Following a home defeat against TRAU (1-2), Gokulam Kerala made a spirited comeback to record a 2-0 win against Real Kashmir in their first game at the EMS Stadium this season. The last two seasons' champions will be up against the Mumbai outfit at the same venue and would certainly be looki
The Spaniard takes charge of two-time defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC, who are experiencing mixed fortunes this season, with just four wins and seven goals in nine matches
Seven of the last eight I-League seasons have been decided on the final day, and it's no surprise to see a similar pattern evolving this time around too.
Luka Majcen, formerly of Gokulam, scored the decisive goal of the match deep in the second half, sending the Punjab side to second place on the league standings with 17 points from eight matches -- two points behind Sreenidi Deccan, who have 19 points after playing nine matches so far
The hosts start as favourites by virtue of their 100 per cent win rate at home so far, which includes victories against Sudeva Delhi FC (3-0) and Rajasthan United FC (1-0) in their last two fixtures.
Dodi Ndo's second-half strike, followed by a Shijin T brace gave the defending champions their first win in four matches, taking them to third place on the standings. However, for the visitors, the result means a fifth straight loss as they remain rooted to the bottom of the points table
The defending champions return back to their home turf after facing a series of disappointing results since their back-to-back wins at the start of the season.
On the other hand, the Red Machines have endured a tough beginning to this campaign, suffering losses at home to Rajasthan United FC (1-2) and Sreenidi Deccan FC (2-3), before playing out a 1-1 draw away to Mumbai Kenkre FC.
The home side will be high on confidence after picking up two wins in their last two fixtures, the most recent of which was a 1-0 victory against TRAU FC. The visitors have had a solid start to the season as well, playing out a goalless draw in their last outing against Real Kashmir FC
The hosts will be looking to build on their 2-1 victory against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the opening round while on the other hand, Mohammedan will seek their first win after going down narrowly (0-1) against champions Gokulam Kerala FC on the inaugural day of the new season.
Thahir Zaman's perfect header three minutes from the final whistle proved enough for the Malabarians to return to the dressing room with three points and stay at the table top with six points from two encounters.