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Naoba Meitei's 101st-Minute Stunner Wins It For Rajasthan United

Naoba Meitei scored a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory for Rajasthan United over Gokulam Kerala. The match was a tense, goalless affair for over 100 minutes with both teams creating chances but lacking the final touch. Rajasthan United's goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri made crucial saves to keep his team in the contest. The win propels Rajasthan United to second place in the IFL table.

Key Points: Rajasthan United 1-0 Gokulam Kerala: Naoba Meitei Late Winner

  • 101st-minute winner
  • Rajasthan United moves to 2nd
  • Goalless for 100+ minutes
  • Man of the Match performance
2 min read

Naoba Meitei's stoppage-time strike seals three points for Rajasthan United

Naoba Meitei's stoppage-time strike gives Rajasthan United a dramatic 1-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Football League.

"Meitei cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed strike... to seal a dramatic victory. - Match Report"

Jaipur, April 7

Naoba Meitei's dramatic stoppage-time strike helped Rajasthan United FC edge Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 in Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday.

After a goalless contest for over 100 minutes, Meitei broke the deadlock deep into added time to secure three points for the hosts, who moved up to second in the table with 14 points, while Gokulam Kerala FC remained seventh with eight points. Meitei was adjudged Man of the Match, as per an IFL press release.

Rajasthan United head coach Vikrant Sharma made one change to his starting XI, bringing in Pranjal Bhumij in midfield, while Gokulam Kerala head coach Dimitris Dimitriou made two changes, including the return of goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil.

The visitors started brightly, with Thabiso Nelson Brown testing Rajasthan captain and keeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri early on, while Gokulam controlled possession in the opening exchanges without creating clear-cut chances.

Rajasthan gradually grew into the contest and came close in the 21st minute when Amadou Soukouna set up Jonathan Fernandes, but the forward failed to hit the target. Soukouna himself tested Shibinraj with a curling effort soon after, as the hosts began to apply pressure.

The Desert Warriors came closest to scoring just before half-time with a flurry of chances in added time. Soukouna struck the crossbar, Thomyo L. Shimray's header was saved, and Fernandes' acrobatic effort was also denied by an alert Shibinraj, as the first half ended goalless.

Gokulam nearly took the lead early in the second half, but Brown failed to connect with a dangerous delivery inside the box. Rajasthan responded with Thomyo Shimray continuing to trouble the defence, while both sides struggled to find the finishing touch.

The game remained finely poised, with chances at both ends. Gokulam substitute Benjamin Thomas Kuku came close in the 73rd minute, but Malla produced a crucial save to keep the score level. Rajasthan also threatened through Isaac Nortey and substitute Naoba Meitei, but were unable to break through.

With the match heading towards a draw, Rajasthan finally found the winner in the 101st minute. Naoba Meitei cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed strike towards the near post, catching the goalkeeper off guard to seal a dramatic victory.

Despite Gokulam pushing forward in the closing moments, Rajasthan held firm to secure a hard-fought win in an intense encounter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is exactly the kind of match that makes football so exciting. End-to-end stuff, great saves from both keepers, and a stunning late winner. The IFL's quality is improving every year.
V
Vikram M
Heartbreak for Gokulam Kerala. They controlled possession early but just couldn't find that final ball. Shibinraj was a wall until that moment. A tough loss to take, but they need to bounce back quickly.
P
Priya S
So proud of our Rajasthan team! The stadium atmosphere must have been electric. From Manipur to Rajasthan, Naoba is a hero! This win is massive for the points table. 🔥
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while the result is great, the match report could focus a bit more on the tactical battle. Both coaches made interesting changes. Dimitriou's strategy almost worked, but Sharma's late substitution won the day.
K
Karthik V
These are the wins that define a season. 3 points in the bag when it looked like 1. Bhabindra Malla Thakuri's save in the 73rd minute was just as important as the goal. Solid at the back and clinical at the death!

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