Real Kashmir defeats Inter Kashi 3-1 to stay in I-League title race

West Bengal, Mar 3: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) kept their I-League 2024-25 title hopes alive with a commanding 3-1 victory over Inter Kashi at the Kalyani Stadium West Bengal on Sunday.
The win propelled them to 29 points from 17 matches, just two points behind joint leaders Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers, who both have 31 points. Inter Kashi started the game on the front foot, with Domingo Berlanga and Bryce Miranda orchestrating early attacks that tested Real Kashmir’s defense. However, the visitors absorbed the pressure well and gradually took control, imposing their physical presence before asserting tactical dominance.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Ocran Idan delivered a delicate chip into the box for Abdou Karim Samb. He made no mistake this time, executing a brilliant first-time volley over goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya to put Real Kashmir ahead.
Then Real Kashmir pressed further and nearly doubled their lead when Karim Samb headed over from a corner. However, they did not have to wait long, as Paulo Cézar found the net in stoppage time of the first half. Rising highest to meet a curling free kick from the left, he got the faintest of touches, guiding the ball past Bhattacharya to give his team a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
Inter Kashi struggled to respond and lacked creativity in the final third. Their best chance came late in the game when Bijoy V headed over from close range. They eventually pulled one back in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Spanish substitute Mario Barco, raising hopes of a dramatic finish.
However, Real Kashmir responded almost immediately. From the restart, Lalramsanga found Gnohere Krizo inside the box, and the Ivorian forward displayed quick footwork before slotting the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a crucial three points for the visitors.