Srinagar: Real Kashmir FC signed off their Indian Football League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Aizawl FC at the Deccan Arena, finishing at the top of the Relegation Phase standings in style.
The Snow Leopards produced a composed performance in their final match of the season, overturning the standings with an important away victory. Entering the contest, Aizawl FC were leading the Relegation Phase table with 13 points, while Real Kashmir sat second on 11 points. The Kashmir-based club needed all three points to leapfrog their opponents — and they delivered under pressure.
After a cagey opening half, Real Kashmir took the lead deep into stoppage time when striker Christian Moses calmly converted a penalty in the 45+7th minute to give the Real Kashmir FC a crucial advantage heading into the break.
Real Kashmir FC doubled their lead in the 63rd minute through another penalty, this time dispatched confidently by Djakaridja Traore. The second goal gave Real Kashmir firm control of the match as they looked determined to finish the campaign on a positive note.
Aizawl FC attempted a late comeback and managed to pull one back in injury time through Laltlanzova Lalbiakzauva in the 90+3rd minute, but the hosts ran out of time as Real Kashmir held on for a memorable victory.
Both teams had entered the fixture looking to bounce back from disappointing previous outings. Aizawl had played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Gokulam Kerala FC, while Real Kashmir were coming off a heavy 0-3 defeat against Namdhari Sports Club. However, it was the Kashmir side that showed greater urgency and resilience on the night.
Although the match carried no direct survival implications, with both clubs already safe from relegation, the battle for top spot in the Relegation Phase standings added extra intensity to the contest.
With the victory, Real Kashmir moved to the summit of the standings, overtaking Aizawl in the final round of matches. The relegation battle, however, remains alive elsewhere and will now be decided on May 12 when third-placed Namdhari Sports Club, on 10 points, face bottom-placed Gokulam Kerala FC, who sit on nine points.
For Real Kashmir FC, the result provides a strong finish to a difficult campaign and offers encouragement heading into the next season.
