Real Kashmir FC Dominates Gokulam Kerala FC with 3-0 Win in Indian Football League
Real Kashmir FC Triumphs Over Gokulam Kerala FC
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 30: In a crucial relegation stage match of the Indian Football League 2025-26, Real Kashmir FC achieved a convincing 3-0 victory against Gokulam Kerala FC, who played with ten men, at the Deccan Arena on Thursday.
The Snow Leopards opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Vitor Barata inadvertently scored an own goal. They extended their lead shortly after halftime in the 49th minute with a goal from Shedrack Charles, followed by a third goal from Mohammad Inam just three minutes later, ensuring a comfortable win. Gokulam Kerala faced a setback in the first half when Bouba Aminou received a red card for a second yellow offense, as reported.
With this win, Real Kashmir climbed to 11 points, marking their third consecutive victory and securing the second position in the relegation stage standings. In contrast, Gokulam Kerala remained near the bottom with eight points, just above the relegation zone.
Gokulam Kerala started the match energetically, creating an opportunity in the second minute when Rahul Raju's left-footed volley went wide after Bouba Aminou controlled the ball from a set-piece. Shortly after, Habib Fofana made a vital clearance to deny a potential goal from Moses Lalrinzuala.
As the match progressed, Real Kashmir began to assert themselves, launching several promising attacks. Shedrack Charles made a notable solo run, but his shot from a tight angle was saved by goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil. The goalkeeper was again tested midway through the first half, stopping a long-range shot from Marius Obekop.
Real Kashmir's persistence paid off in the 26th minute when they took the lead through an own goal. Marius Obekop's corner was misplayed by Vitor Barata, who inadvertently directed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it.
Just before the drinks break, Gokulam Kerala was reduced to ten men when Bouba Aminou received a second yellow card for a foul on Oinam Sanatomba Singh, having already been cautioned earlier in the match.
Despite being a man down, Gokulam Kerala continued to create chances, with their best opportunity coming late in the first half. N. Shigil's long-range shot was saved, and Thabiso Brown's follow-up attempt was easily caught by goalkeeper Furkan Ahmad Dar, leaving Real Kashmir with a narrow lead at halftime.
Real Kashmir doubled their advantage just four minutes into the second half, capitalizing on another set-piece. After Shibinraj punched away Obekop's corner, Mohammad Inam sent the ball back toward the goal, where it struck Shedrack and rebounded off the post, allowing the Nigerian striker to tap in the loose ball.
The third goal came from a mistake by goalkeeper Shibinraj, who misjudged a throw after intercepting a stray pass. Mohammad Inam seized the opportunity from nearly 35 yards out, chipping the ball into an empty net.
After securing their third goal, Real Kashmir slowed the game down, maintaining possession. Gokulam Kerala managed a few attempts in the final quarter, but their lack of numbers was evident as they struggled to challenge the Real Kashmir defense effectively.
Ultimately, the Snow Leopards maintained their three-goal lead, celebrating their third consecutive league victory.