Diamond Harbour FC showcased ruthless efficiency at Kalyani Stadium, thrashing Gokulam Kerala FC 5-2 in a pivotal Indian Football League clash on Saturday. The win catapults them to the summit of the standings with an unassailable lead, while Gokulam’s woes deepen, confirming their spot in the relegation scrap.
Gokulam drew first blood early via Bauba Aminu’s unmarked header from a corner, exposing Diamond Harbour’s set-piece vulnerabilities. However, the hosts hit back decisively before the break. Paul Rampfanjauva’s through ball set up Jobi Justin, whose pinpoint cross found Luka Majcen ghosting in to head home against his old side.
Post-interval fireworks saw Hugo Diaz unleash havoc. The midfielder’s double strike – a poised finish from a Narzary assist followed by a thunderous volley off a defensive lapse – swung momentum irreversibly. Rahul Raju briefly revived Gokulam hopes with a towering header, but Jobi Justin and R. Ramdinthara’s late strikes sealed a comprehensive triumph.
Throughout, Diamond Harbour controlled the tempo, peppering the Gokulam goal with shots. Early chances like Diaz’s curling effort tested keeper Rakshit Dagar, but it was their clinical second-half execution that shone. With 22 points from nine games, they top Round One, four clear of challengers. Gokulam’s 8 points leave them rooted in the drop zone, a stark fall for the two-time champions who must now battle for survival.
