Real Kashmir FC Seeks First Win Against Namdhari FC in IFL Clash

Real Kashmir FC Aims for Victory at Home

In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Real Kashmir FC is set to pursue their inaugural win of the season as they face Namdhari FC in the opening match of a double-header in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the TRC Stadium on Wednesday.

Later that evening, Sreenidi Deccan FC will compete against Dempo SC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad, with the match kicking off at 18:30 IST. Returning to their home ground, Real Kashmir FC hopes that the change in venue will spark a turnaround in their performance. The Snow Leopards have had a challenging start, accumulating only two points from their first four matches, placing them at the bottom of the league table.

Their latest match ended in a narrow 0-1 loss to Rajasthan United FC, further emphasizing their difficulty in translating good performances into positive results.

A key reason for their sluggish start has been insufficient preparation time and a series of away games. Assistant coach Masood acknowledged these hurdles, noting that the team had limited time to establish rhythm before the season commenced and had yet to benefit from home advantage. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that the conditions in Srinagar will favor them.

“We have a strong home record, and it’s always tough for visiting teams here. The players are focused, and we aim to leverage the support of our home crowd and the local conditions,” Masood stated in an IFL press release.

The return to the TRC Stadium has brought renewed hope to the squad, with midfielder Shahid Nazir highlighting the significance of this match. “We’re back home after a month, and everyone is eager. We understand the importance of this game and will strive to implement our strategies to secure all three points,” he remarked.

However, Real Kashmir will be without key players Habib Fofana and Calvin Baretto, both suspended due to red cards received in their last match. Their absence will challenge the team’s depth, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity and midfield control.

Conversely, Namdhari FC arrives in Srinagar with growing confidence. The Punjab-based team has shown resilience in away matches, achieving several draws and demonstrating strong defensive organization under pressure. Their recent 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC showcased their ability to withstand pressure and secure a crucial point.

A highlight from that match was a stunning long-range goal by attacker Manvir Singh, which underscored the team’s attacking potential despite having less possession.

Head coach Harpreet Singh commended his team’s mentality and consistency. “Overall, we have performed well. Even in our losses, we were competitive until the end. The players have displayed strong character, especially in away games, and they are mentally prepared for this challenge,” he noted.

Singh also recognized the challenge posed by Real Kashmir in their home ground. “They are a formidable team, particularly at home. They fight for every ball and play with great energy, so we must be fully prepared,” he added.

Player Milos Gordic echoed the squad's determination to convert solid performances into victories. “We’ve had three draws and one loss, where we played well but couldn’t secure the result. Now, we aim to take the next step and earn three points,” he stated.

Historically, Namdhari has the upper hand in this matchup, winning three of the four previous encounters. However, Real Kashmir managed a narrow 1-0 victory the last time they met in Srinagar, a result they hope to replicate.

Sreenidi Deccan FC vs Dempo SC

In the second match of the day, Sreenidi Deccan FC returns to the Deccan Arena, aiming to turn their dominant performances into wins as they strive to climb the league table.

Currently among the top contenders, Sreenidi Deccan comes into this match following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Namdhari FC. Despite controlling nearly 85% of possession and creating numerous opportunities, they only managed to equalize in the 79th minute through Hadi Idrissou after a deflected corner.

Head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto emphasized the need for greater efficiency in the attacking third. “We have thoroughly analyzed our last match. While our possession and chance creation have been strong, we need to be more clinical in front of goal,” he explained.

Pinto also highlighted the broader goal for his team. “To finish at the top of the league, we must continue to dominate games while improving our finishing and maintaining defensive discipline,” he added.

Midfielder Ajay Chhetri reinforced the positive atmosphere within the team despite the dropped points. “The team environment is excellent. Everyone is focused and motivated, and we are approaching this match with the goal of securing all three points,” he said.

Dempo SC, on the other hand, travels to Hyderabad seeking a much-needed turnaround. The Goan side has struggled with consistency this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the table with just two points. Their latest setback, a 0-2 loss to Gokulam Kerala FC, exposed ongoing issues in both defense and attack.

Head coach Samir Naik acknowledged the disappointment of the result but expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to bounce back. “We felt we could have gained something from the last game. The players are working hard and maintaining the right mindset. We hope to achieve a positive result this time,” he stated.

Naik also pointed out the competitive nature of the league, noting that small details often determine outcomes. “All teams in this league are strong, and minor moments can make a significant difference. We need to ensure those moments work in our favor,” he added.

Defender Mohamed Ali stressed the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the team’s issues. “Defending is a team effort, not just the backline. Small mistakes have cost us, and we are working together to rectify them,” he explained.

Dempo will again rely on their foreign attacking duo of Sebastian Gutierrez and Marcus Joseph to provide the necessary spark in the final third as they attempt to penetrate a well-organized Sreenidi defense.

The head-to-head record between Sreenidi Deccan and Dempo SC is evenly matched, with both teams having one win each and scoring three goals apiece in their two previous encounters. Sreenidi Deccan narrowly won the most recent match 3-2.

With Real Kashmir looking to capitalize on home advantage against a resilient Namdhari side, and Sreenidi Deccan aiming to assert their dominance against a determined Dempo team, this double-header promises two closely contested matches with significant implications for the league standings.