Gokulam Kerala FC pulled off a dramatic late escape to preserve their Indian Football League status and condemn Namdhari FC to relegation, as Trijoy Savio Dias struck deep into stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win.
Heading into the contest knowing that only a win would keep their survival hopes alive, the Malabarians held their nerve in a tense and fiercely-contested contest before Trijoy delivered the decisive blow in the eighth minute of added time.
Namdhari suffered a devastating late lapse at the worst possible moment, with centre-back Bouba Aminou getting his head to a loose ball and Trijoy reacting quickest to rifle the ball into the net.
For long periods, it appeared as though Namdhari had done enough to secure safety with the draw they required, but Gokulam's relentless push for survival finally paid off at the death.
Gokulam Kerala FC finished the season third in the Relegation Phase table with 12 points, while Namdhari ended bottom with 10 points.
