Srinagar Mar 23: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) and table toppers Mohammedan Sporting Club played to a goalless draw in a crucial I-League match on Saturday at TRC Ground in Srinagar.
Despite RKFC’s offensive efforts, they couldn’t convert their chances into goals.
The cautious approach from both teams in the first half limited goal-scoring opportunities, with forwards from both sides failing to capitalize on chances. Notable players like Real Kashmir’s Shaher Shaheen and Gnohere Krizo, as well as Mohammedan Sporting’s Eddie Hernandez and Beneston Piecton Barretto, struggled to find the target.
In the 60th minute, a significant test for the goalkeepers occurred when Real Kashmir’s Krizo set up Jeremy Laldinpuia for a shot, but Mohammedan Sporting’s goalkeeper, Padam Chettri, made a decisive save. Mohammedan Sporting relied on counter-attacks in the second half, emphasizing their defensive strategy to secure a crucial point in the race for the I-League title. The match ended without scoring a goal from any side.
Currently, Mohammedan Sporting Club leads the points table with 48 points, while RKFC has 37 points.
Among the 12 clubs participating in the I-League 2023-2024, RKFC stands out as the only team to have defeated Mohammedan SC in an earlier match, and that too on its home ground in Kolkata.
RKFC, under the guidance of local head coach Ishfaq Ahmad, stands out as the only team from J&K in the I-League, nurturing local talent and providing a platform for young players in the valley. Founded in 2016 by late Sandeep Chatoo, RKFC has played a pivotal role in developing football in J&K and enabling its youth to compete at the national level.