Mohammedan Sporting took a significant step towards reinvigorating their I-League title charge, stunning fellow challengers Gokulam Kerala FC in their own den with a 3-2 win on Sunday.
With the match tied 2-2 going into the final stoppage time, David Lalhlansanga notched up a last-gasp winner for the Kolkata side at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode.
As things stand now, Mohammedan Sporting opened up a five-point lead over second-placed Deccan FC, who however have a game in hand. Mohammedan Sporting are on 38 points from 17 games while Deccan FC have 33 points from 16 games. Gokulam Kerala remained third with 32 points from 18 matches, after suffering a jolt in their title hopes.
Coming into the match following a draw with Deccan FC, Mohammedan Sporting began their second consecutive match on the road racing with a two-goal lead inside the first 23 minutes.
In the 16th minute, Eddie Hernandez snapped up the rebound after David forced a superb save from goalkeeper Avilash Paul. Seven minutes later Alexis Gomez made it 2-0 with a breathtaking pile driver from 25 yards out.
Gokulam Kerala had to respond to stay in the title mix and they did right on the cusp of halftime with Noufal PN unleashing a scorcher to beat Mohammedan Sporting goalkeeper Padam Chhetri all ends up.
The hosts ramped up the pressure in the second half as well and made it 2-2 in the 63rd minute, Nidhin Krishna providing the finish to K Abhijith's cross.
Just when Andrey Chernyshov's side would settle for a point again, David turned the game on its head at the death.
Padam's long ball caught Kerala FC defence off guard as David claimed it inside the box and intelligently lobbed it in over a hapless goalkeeper Avilash.
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