Hyderabad, Mar 4:
Real Kashmir FC today defeated the Sreenidi Deccan FC 3-2 in a thrilling I League match at Hyderabad.
This win not only took RKFC to second spot but also maintained their pursuit of the I League title.
In Monday’s match RKFC seized the lead in added first-half minutes as Gnohere Krizo netted a left-footed goal from a cross by Henry Kisekka. In the first half, RKFC was leading 1-0.
However, despite creating chances in the second half, Real Kashmir FC couldn’t convert.
Sreenidi Deccan FC capitalized on a lapse in defense, equalizing in the 58th minute through Rilwan Olanrewaju Hassan, who later extended their lead. In a dramatic turn, Sreenidi Deccan went down to 10 men in the 86th minute.
From the ensuing free-kick, Real Kashmir quickly responded as Ifham Tariq Mir executed a well-measured lob. Sreenidi Deccan goalkeeper Gomes attempted to intercept Mir’s shot but misjudged the flight of the ball. In his rush to collect it, Gomes found himself outmaneuvered as the ball sailed over his head, dipping at just the right moment to cross the goal line and secure the equaliser for RKFC.
Real Kashmir finally sealed the match in the added minutes of the second half and added one more goal after Eli Sabia brought down Krizo inside the box.
The win took Real Kashmir to the second spot in the I-League table. They have 33 points from 17 matches with 10 wins, three draws and four losses and are five points adrift of leaders Mohammedan Sporting.
The team is led by local coach Ishfaq Ahmad. The maximum players in this season are Kashmiris. (PTI)