Real Kashmir FC Secures Victory Against Aizawl FC in IFL Showdown
Real Kashmir FC Ends Season on a High Note
Real Kashmir FC concluded their season with a triumphant 2-1 victory over Aizawl FC during the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 Relegation Phase match held at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Monday. Goals from Christian Moses and Junior Traore, both scored from penalties, secured the win for the Snow Leopards, while Laltlanzova netted the sole goal for Aizawl.
Final Standings in the Relegation Phase
This victory allowed Real Kashmir to finish at the top of the Relegation Phase standings with a total of 14 points, while Aizawl ended up just below with 11 points.
Exciting Start to the Match
The match kicked off with Aizawl's Zomuansanga making an early impact, driving into the Real Kashmir penalty area within the first 20 seconds. Both teams displayed aggressive attacking strategies from the beginning, pressing hard and transitioning the ball quickly. With relegation safety already secured for both teams, the match was played at a fast pace, with players showing little hesitation in their movements.
Aizawl attempted to create chances through Vanlalhriatzuala K and Eric Remruatpuia Chhangte on the wings, while Real Kashmir countered with Ahteeb Ahmad Dar and Moses making frequent runs down the flanks.
First Half Highlights
Real Kashmir maintained a high defensive line, prompting Aizawl to look for quick counter-attacks, led by Zomuansanga. However, the Snow Leopards effectively thwarted Aizawl's attempts to create significant opportunities.
The breakthrough came just before halftime when Real Kashmir was awarded a penalty. Moses converted the penalty in the eighth minute of injury time, sending Vanlal Hriatpuia the wrong way and giving his team a 1-0 lead at the break.
Second Half Dominance
Real Kashmir returned for the second half with increased attacking vigor, nearly doubling their lead shortly after the restart. Issah's header from a corner in the 46th minute was expertly saved by Hriatpuia.
In the 53rd minute, Traore had another opportunity but was denied by Hriatpuia's quick reflexes. The pressure from Real Kashmir eventually resulted in another penalty when Aafreen was fouled in the box. Traore converted the penalty in the 60th minute, extending the lead to 2-0.
Aizawl's Late Push
Unlike the first half, where both teams were evenly matched, Real Kashmir dominated the second half. Aizawl struggled to maintain possession in the attacking third, leading to prolonged defensive phases.
Aizawl finally threatened in the 67th minute when Laltlanzova displayed skill inside the box, but Aafreen made a crucial block to keep the two-goal lead intact. Aizawl eventually scored when Laltlanzova capitalized on a defensive lapse from Real Kashmir, reducing the deficit.
The match concluded with a dramatic moment in stoppage time when Aizawl was awarded a penalty after Jetli fouled an opponent. Zomuansanga had the chance to equalize, but Jetli made a remarkable diving save, preserving Real Kashmir's lead and marking an impressive debut performance.