SRINAGAR: Baramulla Strikers kept their Kashmir Champions Football League (KCFL) 2026 title hopes alive with a convincing 4-2 victory over Anantnag Heroes in the Eliminator on Wednesday, securing a place in Qualifier 2.
The knockout clash, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, witnessed an impressive display from the Baramulla side, which combined attacking football with disciplined defending to overcome a spirited challenge from Anantnag Heroes.
The Strikers dominated key phases of the contest and capitalised on their scoring opportunities to emerge comfortable winners, advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
Midfielder Moosa Qureshi was named Man of the Match for his influential performance in the middle of the park. His creativity, composure and leadership proved instrumental in Baramulla’s victory as he dictated play throughout the high-intensity encounter.
The match also featured prominent figures from Indian football. During the half-time interval, Anuj Gupta, Co-founder and President of Sudeva Delhi FC, and Steve Harbour, Technical Mentor at Sudeva Delhi FC, interacted with players and spectators, sharing insights on grassroots football development, talent identification and creating sustainable pathways for young footballers.
Their interaction highlighted the shared commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council and the KCFL towards strengthening grassroots football and creating greater opportunities for aspiring players across the Union Territory.
The fixture was also attended by Arjuna Awardee Krupali Patel Singh, whose presence served as an inspiration for the participating players and young football enthusiasts.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council reiterated its commitment to promoting football in the region by providing competitive platforms for emerging talent and enhancing the overall standard of the sport in Jammu and Kashmir
