Panchkula, February 20: I-League title battle took an interesting turn once again as home favourites Minerva Punjab faced a surprise defeat at the hands of Gokulam Kerala FC in their own backyard.

Gokulam hit the cross bar thrice before getting their hard earned goal in away conditions. With this win Gokulam Kerala have now astonishingly beaten Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Minerva Punjab in back-to-back games.

.@Minerva_AFC suffer a jolt as @GokulamKeralaFC continue to be Giant-killer FC.#HeroILeague #MPFCvGKFC pic.twitter.com/dQH13m5Z5E

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) February 20, 2018

Minerva made 4 tactical changes in their squad from their previous encounter against East Bengal as Amandeep, Shouvik, Bazie and Rakshit made way for debutant left back Akashdeep, left winger Akash Sangwan, defensive midfielder Randeep and Nepal International Goalkeeper Kiran.

Gokulam were also forced to make four changes to their squad due to suspension and injury issues. Clearly the tactical changes made by Minerva didn't pay off and Gokulam scored the winner in 75th minute with the help of a bicycle kick by Henry Kisekka.

Gokulam showed their attacking edge from the very first minute itself as the attacking trio of Kivi, Henry and Salam made life difficult for Minerva defenders. William tried his luck just 15 minutes from start to give the home side an early lead but his powerful shot was blocked.

Henry's acrobatic bicycle-kick winner throws the league wide open and earns him the Hero of the Match award.#HeroILeague #MPFCvGKFC pic.twitter.com/x452NhThab

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) February 20, 2018

Minerva's gameplay was sloppy in the first half due to the fact that they couldn't keep the ball in midfield. The combination of Randeep, Kassim and William wasn't working too well although Minerva attacked really well near the 35th minute mark but couldn't tickle the scoreboard.

Randeep, who was on yellow card, was taken off in 40th minute and first team regular Amandeep took his place in defensive midfield. There were a total of four bookings which indicates the general play of first half was pretty rough. The first half ended with both the teams failing to convert with the scoreline at 0-0.

Minerva tried to control the game from the start of second half but constant injuries to Gokulam players disrupted their play. The injury break in the game helped Gokulam to organise themselves well as their vicious attacks kept Minerva defence on their back foot.

Finally the moment of the match came in 75th minute when a short cross by Lakra was taken first time by Henry. The ball hit the crossbar and fell straight to Henry again who scored with a sensational bicycle kick to silence the home crowd.

A second giant-slaying act by @GokulamKeralaFC within the space of 72 hours has thrown the @ILeagueOfficial wide open. The race for the title promises to go all the way with @Minerva_AFC, @eastbengalfc and @NerocaFC, all in with a chance to win their maiden I-League.#HeroILeague pic.twitter.com/1O9oXANuXs

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) February 20, 2018

Minerva then went all out attack in final few minutes of the game in order to find a vital equaliser but both William and goalkeeper Kiran missed the goal post by a whisker in 89th and 95th minute respectively. There wasn't enough time for any more attack and referee blew the final whistle. With this win Gokulam climb to 6th in the table whereas Minerva Punjab are still at 2ndposition behind Neroca FC.