Srinagar, Mar 30: Real Kashmir FC defeated NEROCA FC 3-0 in the I-League match at TRC Ground, Srinagar, on Saturday.
The win propelled them to the second spot in the standings, despite being out of the title race. They now boast 40 points from 22 matches, with 11 wins, seven draws, and four losses.
In Saturday’s match, RKFC dominated from the outset and created a flurry of chances before taking the lead in the 35th minute. Carlos Lomba launched a long ball from deep towards Krizo’s direction. The Ivory Coast striker controlled the ball with his head, surging past two NEROCA players, Baoringdao Bodo and Ronaldo Nongthombam, to set himself up in a one-on-one position with goalkeeper Khoirom Jackson Singh. With the custodian coming off his line, Krizo intelligently chipped the ball over Jackson’s head to open the scoring.
Real Kashmir doubled their advantage at the stroke of halftime. Kashmir defender Shaher Shaheen spotted Yousuf making a run on the overlap and sent a long ball forward. Yousuf beat the offside trap brilliantly with a well-timed run before bringing down the aerial ball with a deft touch and unleashing a skillful left-footer to score in the 45th minute.
The script didn’t change much in the second half as Real Kashmir extended their lead through a set piece. Jeremy Laldinpuia floated in a corner from the left, and an unmarked Shaheen scored with a header at the far post.
Goals from Real Kashmir’s Gnohere Krizo (35′), Hyder Yousuf (45′), and Shaher Shaheen (67′) sealed the fate of NEROCA FC in the league.
The last time the Snow Leopards had lost a match in the league was against Rajasthan United FC back on February 9th.
RKFC is the only club representing J&K in I League and was founded by the late Sandeep Chatoo.
It is led by head coach Ishfaq Ahmad while Yasir Malik is its manager.