*Eying for I-League title
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, March 9: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Aizawl FC in a thrilling I-League encounter at the TRC Turf Ground on Sunday.
The win, witnessed by over 5,000 spectators propelled the Snow Leopards to third place in the standings with 32 points from 18 matches.
Cabinet Minister Sharma Sharma, who interacted with the home team, reiterated the government’s commitment to sports development in Jammu and Kashmir.
This was Real Kashmir’s fifth consecutive home win and their fourth victory in the last five games. They now trail league leaders Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi by just two points, with four matches remaining in the season. Meanwhile, Aizawl FC missed a golden opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone and remain in 11th place with 16 points, one behind SC Bengaluru.
The match began at a frantic pace, with both goalkeepers tested early on. In the 21st minute, Aizawl’s Samuel Lalmuanpuia nearly put the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a corner from Real Kashmir’s Ocran Idan.
The breakthrough for the home team came in the 31st minute due to a defensive lapse by Aizawl. Senegalese striker Karim Samb pounced on the error, charged into the box, and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Md Rafique Ali Sardar, scoring his fifth goal of the season.
Aizawl responded strongly in the second half and found an equalizer in the 58th minute. Laltlanzova’s shot from the left flank was mishandled by Real Kashmir’s goalkeeper Mohd Arbaz, allowing Lalrinzuala to tap in from close range. The goal was Lalrinzuala’s ninth of the season, making him the top-scoring Indian in the I-League.
Both sides had chances to take the lead but failed to capitalize. Mohammad Inam delivered a perfect cross for substitute Paulo Cézar, who headed narrowly wide. At the other end, Lalrinzuala set up Lalbiakdia inside the box, but the latter skied his shot.
Real Kashmir eventually grabbed the winner in the 77th minute. Basit delivered a low cross into the six-yard box, and Brazilian substitute Paulo Cézar evaded his marker to score from close range, making it 2-1.
Aizawl nearly salvaged a point in the 82nd minute when they were awarded a penalty after Mohd Aqib handled the ball inside the box. Lalrinzuala stepped up but was denied by Arbaz, who saved the spot-kick with his trailing foot, ensuring all three points for the hosts.
With just four matches left, Real Kashmir remains firmly in the title race, while Aizawl faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
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