Gokulam Kerala FC beat Thunderbolt North United 4-1

Gokulam Kerala FC began their campaign in the 42nd Sikkim Gold Cup with a 4-1 victory over Sikkim regional league champions Thunderbolt North United. The Malabarians secured all three points, with four different players scoring.

Chhangte opened the scoring in the 9th minute, scoring the club's first goal of the season. Thunderbolt North United levelled in the 25th minute, but Gokulam quickly regained control of the game.

Makan Chothe regained the lead in the 44th minute, and Dennis Antwi added a third goal in first-half stoppage time (45+2'). Substitute Victor Matheus completed the scoring in the 70th minute to make it 4-1.

Gokulam dominated across all areas of the pitch and did not allow their opponents to gain sustained control of the game. The team kept a strong presence in midfield and continued to push forward throughout the match. Mikel Kortazar was solid in defence, while Chhangte and Chothe impressed on the wings and contributed significantly to the team's overall performance.

Chothe was named Player of the Match.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Carlos Parreira said: "I am happy with the team's performance, but we also missed several chances that we should have converted. I want to see improvement in that aspect. We will continue to prepare the team to deliver even better performances in the upcoming matches."