Real Kashmir FC Upsets Sreenidi Deccan FC with 2-0 Victory in IFL Clash

Real Kashmir FC Secures Crucial Win

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 19: In a surprising turn of events, Real Kashmir FC triumphed over Sreenidi Deccan FC with a score of 2-0 during their IFL 2025-26 match held at the TRC Stadium on Sunday.

This victory is a significant boost for the Snow Leopards, propelling them to ninth place and rekindling their hopes of avoiding relegation.

On the other hand, Sreenidi Deccan FC missed a chance to secure the second spot in the league, finishing the first round with 15 points. Marius Obekop was named Player of the Match for his two assists and exceptional overall performance.

The match kicked off with fierce aerial battles, but the visitors soon took control. Sreenidi Deccan FC dominated possession and posed an early threat, with David Castaneda testing goalkeeper Furkan Ahmad Dar with a header from a Chhangte cross in the seventh minute.

The Hyderabad-based team set the pace, earning four corners within the first 27 minutes. Real Kashmir FC played cautiously, relying on set-pieces, including a dangerous free-kick after Shedrack Charles was fouled by Ajay Chhetri in the 34th minute.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the half, the hosts managed to score against the run of play in the 45th minute. Obekop pulled Jagdeep Singh wide before delivering a cross to Basit Ahmed Bhat.

Although Kamaljit Singh made a fantastic save from Bhat's initial shot, Ahteeb Ahmad Dar was quick to react to the rebound, finishing with his left foot to give Real Kashmir a 1-0 lead at halftime.

After the break, Sreenidi Deccan FC came out aggressively, seeking an equalizer, but they faced a strong defense from Real Kashmir.

As the game slowed down and the visitors struggled to find clear chances, Real Kashmir almost doubled their lead in the 82nd minute when Obekop made a precise pass, but Kamaljit executed a remarkable point-blank save to keep his team in the game.

In the 88th minute, Sanatomba made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Sreenidi after Furkan was beaten. With seven minutes of stoppage time added, Real Kashmir effectively managed the game and earned a corner.

From a short corner in the 93rd minute, Obekop found Sanatomba, who curled a spectacular shot from distance into the net, sealing a 2-0 victory over Sreenidi Deccan.

This result marks the conclusion of the first stage of the Star Cement IFL, which consisted of 45 matches, finalizing the standings as the league transitions into two phases. Diamond Harbour FC topped the table with 22 points, establishing a five-point lead.

Joining them in the top-six Championship Phase are Shillong Lajong FC (17 points), Rajasthan United FC (17 points), Sreenidi Deccan FC (15 points), Chanmari FC (11 points), and Dempo Sports Club (9 points), all vying for the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 title.

Conversely, the bottom four teams will enter the Relegation Phase, fighting to maintain their positions. This group includes Aizawl FC (9 points), Real Kashmir FC (8 points), Gokulam Kerala FC (8 points), and Namdhari FC (7 points).