Gokulam Kerala’s victory in the 2021 I-League was a historic achievement, as they became the first team from Kerala to win a national league title for men. Their triumph was especially dramatic, as they shared the same points tally—29 points from 15 matches—with Churchill Brothers (Goa), but secured the title due to a superior goal difference. Here’s a deeper look into this significant achievement:
Champions: Gokulam Kerala won their first-ever I-League title in the 2020-2021 season, which was a major milestone for the club and Kerala football. Their success was the culmination of a strong season where they showed remarkable consistency, especially in a challenging league format disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Gokulam Kerala and Churchill Brothers finished with 29 points after 15 matches, but Gokulam edged ahead thanks to their superior goal difference.
This meant that goal difference became the deciding factor, which added extra drama to the race for the title.
Kerala, known for its passionate football following, had never seen a team from the state win the prestigious I-League men’s title. Gokulam Kerala’s victory was seen as a triumph for football in the state and a major achievement for the club.
The victory also gave a huge boost to the sport in Kerala, which already has a rich footballing tradition, but has often been overshadowed in terms of national success by teams from other regions.
Second Place Again: Churchill Brothers finished second in the 2021 I-League, the second time in the club’s history they were denied the title on goal difference. The first instance was in 2008, when they finished second to Dempo SC (Goa), again due to goal difference.
In the 2007-08 season, Churchill Brothers finished second to Dempo SC, despite having the same number of points (49) as Dempo, once again losing out because of goal difference. That was another heartbreak for Churchill Brothers, and their 2021 finish echoed a similar feeling.
Gokulam Kerala’s success was built on a solid team performance throughout the season. Their consistency and ability to win crucial matches in the second half of the season helped them secure the top spot.
This victory put Kerala on the map for men’s football in the country. Kerala has always been known for its football culture, with a passionate fan base and deep-rooted love for the sport, but this victory brought tangible success to that culture.
Although they fell short of the title, Churchill Brothers’ ability to push Gokulam Kerala to the wire showed their resilience and competitiveness. Their second-place finish, despite the heartbreak of missing out on the title for a second time due to goal difference, kept them in the spotlight as one of India’s top clubs.
Gokulam Kerala’s victory in 2021 added to the growing interest in the I-League as a competitive league and highlighted the unpredictability of the tournament. It was a reminder that the league continues to provide thrilling storylines and is still very much relevant in India’s football landscape, especially with the Indian Super League (ISL) becoming more prominent in recent years.
