Srinagar Jan 19: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Sporting Club Bengaluru in an electrifying I-League match at the TRC Ground, Srinagar, on Sunday.
Cheered on by an enthusiastic home crowd and braving the chilly weather, RKFC delivered a stellar performance, reclaiming their winning form on home turf.
The match witnessed the presence of District Development Commissioner (DDC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin, as the chief guest. Dr. Mohiuddin enjoyed the high-energy contest alongside over 5000 spectators. RKFC owner Arshad Shawl expressed his gratitude to the DDC for his support, which he said was a significant encouragement for the team.
Brazilian striker Paulo Cezar was the star of the evening, scoring twice (28’, 55’) to give RKFC a solid lead. Senegalese forward Abdou Karim sealed the win with a penalty, while SC Bengaluru’s Henry Kisseka managed a late consolation goal.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Lalramsanga’s perfectly timed cross from the left was headed home by Cezar. Although a follow-up goal by Cezar was disallowed soon after, the hosts remained dominant.
In the 55th minute, Cezar struck again, skilfully rounding Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Bishal Lama after receiving a well-placed pass from Karim. The situation worsened for SC Bengaluru in the 70th minute when goalkeeper Lama fouled Karim inside the box, earning a red card. Down to 10 men, Bengaluru conceded the penalty, which Karim converted with ease.
The match’s intensity continued as SC Bengaluru’s captain Carlos Lomba was also sent off in stoppage time, reducing the visitors to nine players. Despite the setbacks, Ugandan striker Kisseka found the net in the dying moments, offering a consolation for Bengaluru.
With this victory, all three of RKFC’s wins this season have come on their home ground, reinforcing their strength at the TRC Football Turf. RKFC is the only team from J&K participating in the I League. The team will play their next home game on January 26.
