Indian Football League: Sreenidi Deccan Stuns Gokulam Kerala!

The I-League title race took a dramatic turn today as Sreenidi Deccan FC pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory against defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad. This unexpected result throws the league wide open with just a few matches left to play. As of today, March 25, 2026, the Deccan team's victory has significantly boosted their chances of securing a top-three finish.

Gokulam Kerala, who were considered strong favorites, looked shaky from the start. Sreenidi Deccan's Nigerian forward, Rilwan Hassan, opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a brilliant solo effort, leaving the Kerala defense in disarray. The home crowd erupted as Hassan slotted the ball past Gokulam's goalkeeper, Shibinlal VK.

Sreenidi Deccan's Tactical Masterclass

Sreenidi Deccan's coach, Carlos Vaz Pinto, executed a tactical masterclass, effectively neutralizing Gokulam Kerala's attacking threats. The team's midfield, led by captain Phalguni Singh, controlled the tempo of the game and prevented Gokulam from establishing their usual dominance. The Malabarians struggled to find their rhythm, with star striker Sergio Barboza Jr. largely kept quiet by the Deccan defense.

Gokulam Kerala managed to equalize in the 55th minute through a penalty converted by Barboza Jr., after a clumsy challenge by Sreenidi Deccan's defender, Mohammedan T., inside the box. However, their joy was short-lived. In the 72nd minute, Sreenidi Deccan's substitute, Vineeth Velmurugan, scored a sensational goal from outside the box, sending the home fans into raptures. Vineeth, who had only been on the field for a few minutes, unleashed an unstoppable shot that nestled into the top corner of the net.

Gokulam Kerala's Coach Reacts

Speaking to News Reporter Live after the match, Gokulam Kerala's coach, Fernando Santiago Varela, expressed his disappointment. "We didn't play our best football today. Sreenidi Deccan were the better team, and they deserved the victory. We need to regroup and come back stronger in our next match," he reportersays.

The match was intense, with several yellow cards issued to both sides. The referee had his work cut out for him as the players battled fiercely for every ball. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Sreenidi Deccan players and fans, who had witnessed a memorable victory.

Impact on the I-League Standings

This result sees Sreenidi Deccan climb to third place in the I-League standings, just three points behind leaders Real Kashmir FC and one point behind Gokulam Kerala. With Real Kashmir facing a tough away game against Churchill Brothers tomorrow, the title race is set to go down to the wire. Sreenidi Deccan's remaining fixtures include a home game against Aizawl FC and an away trip to NEROCA FC. Gokulam Kerala, on the other hand, will need to bounce back quickly as they face TRAU FC in their next match.

"This win is a huge boost for us," said Sreenidi Deccan captain Phalguni Singh after the match. "We believe we can challenge for the title. We are taking it one game at a time, and we will continue to fight until the very end."

The I-League is known for its unpredictable nature, and this match was a prime example. With several teams still in contention for the title, the remaining matches promise to be full of drama and excitement. For live cricket scores, check out our Live Cricket Scores page. Stay tuned to News Reporter Live for all the latest updates from the world of Indian sports. You can find More Sports News on our homepage.