His stoppage-time winner preserves Gokulam Kerala in IFL, condemns Namdhari FC to relegation
Panaji: Goa’s Trijoy Dias rescued Gokulam Kerala FC from relegation with a dramatic stoppage-time winner as they defeated Namdhari FC 1-0 in their Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 Relegation Phase clash at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
With only a victory capable of preserving their league status, Gokulam kept pushing until the final moments before Trijoy struck in the eighth minute of added time to spark wild celebrations and condemn Namdhari to relegation.
The decisive moment arrived after Vitor Hugo Encarnação Freitas floated a long delivery into the penalty area. Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar misjudged his punch under pressure, allowing makeshift striker Bouba Aminou to nod the ball into danger. Trijoy reacted quickest inside the box and smashed the loose ball into the net to complete Gokulam’s remarkable escape.
For much of the contest, Namdhari appeared on course to secure survival with the draw they needed. They began brightly and almost went ahead in the fifth minute when Rohit’s powerful header from a free-kick forced a sharp diving save from Gokulam goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil.
Gokulam gradually settled into the game through the influence of Thabiso Nelson Brown, who created several dangerous moments down the left flank. Rahul Raju and Moses Lalrinzuala also threatened, but Namdhari’s defence remained compact and disciplined for long spells.
The second half saw Namdhari squander two golden opportunities. Rohit headed wide from close range in the 56th minute before skipper Lamine Moro was denied by another crucial Shibinraj save from a corner.
As the clock ticked down, Namdhari dropped deeper in search of the point that would secure safety, while Gokulam threw numbers forward in desperation. Brown missed a headed chance in the 82nd minute, but the Kerala side maintained relentless pressure before Trijoy delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
The victory lifted Gokulam Kerala FC to third place in the Relegation Phase standings with 12 points, while Namdhari finished bottom with 10 and dropped out of the league.
