SRINAGAR: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) secured a 2-1 victory over Delhi FC in an I-League match at Mahilpur Football Stadium, Punjab, on Sunday, moving to second place in the league standings. The result keeps RKFC’s title hopes alive, as they now sit just two points behind Churchill Brothers with two matches remaining.
The defeat sealed Delhi FC’s relegation, making them the first team to drop out of the league this season.
Real Kashmir started aggressively, breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute. Mohammad Inam capitalised on a defensive error from Delhi FC, picking up a loose ball on the left flank before delivering a low cross into the six-yard box. Under pressure from Gnohere Krizo, Delhi’s defenders failed to clear the ball, and goalkeeper Debnath Mondal fumbled it into Inam’s path. The forward made no mistake, slotting the ball home to put RKFC ahead.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 27th minute when a long ball was played towards Krizo. Mondal rushed out of his box in an attempt to head it away but misjudged the bounce, allowing Krizo to tap the ball into an empty net. RKFC nearly extended their advantage before half-time when Mondal spilled another cross, but Delhi defender Joseph Lalmuanawma managed to deflect Krizo’s shot over the bar, keeping the score 2-0 at the break.
Delhi FC responded strongly in the second half, pushing forward with greater urgency. Midfielder Samir Binong tested RKFC goalkeeper Furqan Ahmad Dar multiple times in the opening 15 minutes. Their efforts paid off in the 54th minute, when Binong was brought down inside the box, earning Delhi a penalty. Hridaya Jain stepped up and converted from the spot, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Despite Delhi’s late surge, Real Kashmir’s defence held firm, denying their opponents an equaliser. The victory ensured RKFC’s place as a strong contender for the title, with their remaining fixtures set to play a crucial role in the championship race.
