IFL 2026-27: Gokulam Kerala beat Samaleswari 3-2 as Shillong Lajong edge Mohammedan in opening Matchweek double-header

Mohammedan faced Shillong Lajong and Gokulam Kerala met Samaleswari SC in the Indian Football League 2026-27 opening Matchweek double-header on October 31, 2026, with Shillong Lajong winning 1-0 through Nelson Rymbai and Gokulam Kerala prevailing 3-2 thanks to a late Crislan strike.

The first fixture took place at Kalyani Stadium and was heading for a goalless draw until Nelson Rymbai produced a late winner for the Meghalaya side; the second game, played later in the evening in Kerala, saw the hosts lead 2-0 before the debutants recovered to level at 2-2 and Crislan scored in the dying seconds to secure a 3-2 victory for Gokulam.

After three matches in the opening Matchweek, three teams sit level on three points, with only goal difference separating them at the top of the table; Nagaland United are placed first with a +2 goal difference following their 1-3 win.

The standings show Real Kashmir at the bottom with a -2 goal difference, while Samaleswari and Mohammedan occupy places in the lower echelon of the table.

The list of leading scorers after three games reads: K Hriata (Nagaland United) – 2 goals; Crislan (Gokulam Kerala) – 2 goals; JH Remlala (Nagaland United) – 1 goal; Lalremtluanga (Gokulam) – 1 goal; Nelson Rymbai (Shillong Lajong) – 1 goal.

In the first three fixtures of the season a total of ten goals have been scored across all matches.

The final two matches of the opening Matchweek are scheduled for tomorrow: Rajasthan United will face Sreenidi Deccan in the Pink City, and Dempo FC will meet Bengaluru United in the concluding fixture.