SRINAGAR: Baramulla Strikers booked their place in the final of the inaugural Kashmir Champions Football League (KCFL) 2026 after registering a convincing 3-1 victory over Bandipora Blasters in Qualifier 2 at the Synthetic Turf Football Ground, TRC Srinagar, on Friday.
In a closely watched under-lights encounter, Baramulla Strikers produced a dominant performance to secure the second spot in the championship clash. Shafqat Ahmad emerged as the star of the match, scoring two crucial goals that helped his side overpower Bandipora Blasters.
For his match-winning contribution, Ahmad was named Man of the Match.
The playoff clash drew a large number of football enthusiasts, with spectators filling the venue to witness the high-stakes contest. The enthusiastic response from fans has been one of the highlights of the league’s first edition, reflecting the growing popularity of football across Jammu and Kashmir.
With the victory, Baramulla Strikers will face Srinagar United in the final on Sunday. Srinagar United had earlier qualified directly for the title clash after winning Qualifier 1.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council congratulated Baramulla Strikers for reaching the final and appreciated both teams for their performance and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
The Council also acknowledged the support of football fans and said the league has provided a platform for emerging players while contributing to the promotion of grassroots football in Jammu and Kashmir.
