Gokulam Kerala FC ended their Super Cup 2025 campaign on a strong note, defeating Mohammedan Sporting Club 3–0 in their final Group C match at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Wednesday.
Both teams had already been eliminated from semifinal contention after consecutive defeats to Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC, but the Malabarians ensured they did not leave Goa empty-handed, producing a composed and confident performance built on sharp transitions, disciplined defending and well-timed attacking bursts. The match began with Mohammedan enjoying the majority of the ball, controlling the early phases through short passing and slow build-up.
The Black Panthers created the clearer chances in the opening ten minutes, including a thunderous free-kick from Ashley Alban Koli that rattled the crossbar after a fingertip intervention from goalkeeper Shibin Raj. At this stage, Gokulam appeared content to sit deeper, absorb pressure and target counter-attacking spaces.
However, against the run of play, Gokulam Kerala took the lead in the 28th minute, and the goal arrived through persistence and opportunism. A long-range attempt from Shighil Nambrath struck a defender and fell invitingly into the path of Albert Torras, who reacted sharply to toe-poke the ball beyond the wrong-footed Mohammedan goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee. The finish was simple, the timing was decisive, and the momentum of the match started to shift.
From then on, Gokulam settled into a more confident rhythm, particularly through the midfield trio of Torras, Samuel Kynshi and Rahul Raju. They began transitioning with speed, frequently catching the Mohammedan defensive line stretched. The Malabarians could have doubled their lead before the break, but a series of hurried finishes and timely blocks helped Mohammedan stay within reach. At halftime, Gokulam led 1–0, and Mohammedan were left with the task of converting their possession into something more meaningful.
The second half brought a more aggressive Gokulam Kerala. Instead of sitting back to protect their one-goal cushion, the Malabarians pushed forward to find a second goal—an approach that paid dividends. In the 56th minute, after a clean recovery in midfield, Akshunna Tyagi burst down the left wing with a brilliant sprint, leaving Mohammedan’s last defender trailing. His low cross across the six-yard box found Samuel Kynshi, who arrived unmarked to tap home from close range. The move, executed at high speed, reflected Gokulam’s clearer intent and superior structure on the counter.
The second goal not only widened the scoreline but also visibly deflated Mohammedan SC. Their earlier sharpness in possession dulled, while defensive gaps widened. Head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo made several substitutions to try and inject fresh energy most notably replacing the lively Ashley Koli but momentum had already swung decisively toward the Malabarians.
Meanwhile, Gokulam continued to apply pressure, displaying quick passing combinations on the break and forcing Mohammedan’s defensive unit to scramble repeatedly. In the 86th minute, they struck again to seal the result. A curling effort from Albert Moya was palmed away by Subhajit, but the rebound landed perfectly for substitute Juan Carlos Rico, who calmly slotted into an empty net to make it 3–0 and extinguish any faint hopes of a late Mohammedan revival.
The final whistle confirmed Gokulam Kerala’s first points and first goals of the tournament. For the Malabarians, the result came too late to alter their group standing, but it ensured that they ended their campaign with a message of resilience and pride. Ending the group with a clean sheet and a convincing attacking display represents a positive takeaway for a side undergoing transition and relying heavily on young Indian talent.
For Mohammedan Sporting, the tournament ends with three defeats, no goals scored, and several hard lessons. While their buildup play and early-game structure were promising, the absence of incision in the final third and vulnerability during opposition counters proved costly across the group stage. However, the performances of youngsters like Adison Singh and Hussain Parray suggest potential building blocks for the future.
Group C Context
The result did not alter the group standings. Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC had already secured progression to the semifinal race with two wins each and identical goal differences, setting up a high-stakes decisive meeting later in the evening. Both Mohammedan and Gokulam exit the tournament with three losses each, but Gokulam leave with a morale-boosting performance to show for their efforts.
Though the match had no bearing on the knockout picture, it was played with commitment and showcased strong individual and tactical moments. Gokulam Kerala’s ability to grow into the game, punish transitions and sustain attacking sequences ultimately defined the match. Mohammedan Sporting, despite their early promise, struggled to translate possession into goals and were undone by decisive counter-attacks.
For both clubs, the Super Cup offers lessons to work on ahead of the domestic season. For Gokulam, it ends with belief restored. For Mohammedan, a reminder that structure must be matched by execution in the final third.
