At the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Monday, two undefeated I-League teams clashed as Real Kashmir FC and Inter Kashi FC played out a 1-1 draw.
The Snow Leopards started the match with high intensity and quickly capitalized on their momentum. In the eighth minute, Lalramsanga made an unmarked run to the far post and skillfully headed a corner past Inter Kashi goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya, giving his side an early lead.
Inter Kashi appeared composed in possession and sought to regain control of the match, but it wasn’t until the second half that they began to show genuine signs of recovery. Despite the visitors’ efforts, Real Kashmir successfully kept them away from dangerous areas early in the second half, with Serbian Nikola Stojanovic and Finnish Joni Kauko resorting to long-range attempts.
Berlanga came close shortly after the hour mark, skillfully turning his marker inside the box, but his left-footed strike sailed over the crossbar. The 29-year-old Berlanga brought his team level in the 69th minute, racing onto an aerial through ball behind the defense and calmly slotting a left-footed shot into the net.
In the final moments, both goalkeepers made crucial saves to maintain the 1-1 deadlock. Bhattacharya denied Shahid Nazir with a superb stop, deflecting a shot destined for the top corner with just over 10 minutes remaining. Meanwhile, Real Kashmir’s Mohd Arbaz brilliantly parried a close-range effort from Kauko in the 86th minute.
Here are some intense moments from our yesterday's match against Inter Kashi FC.#RealKashmirFC #SnowLeopards #ILeague #FansFirst pic.twitter.com/GkyFhLVoFl
— Real Kashmir FC (@realkashmirfc) December 10, 2024
Both teams remain unbeaten in the 2024-25 I-League after four rounds, each securing two wins and two draws to amass eight points. Inter Kashi tops the standings thanks to a superior goal difference (5) compared to Real Kashmir’s 3.
Real Kashmir FC, the sole club from J&K competing in the I-League and owned by Arshad Shawl, played their final home match of the year. The team will now travel to Bhaini Sahib to face Namdhari FC on December 15. The Snow Leopards’ next home match will come against Sreenidi Deccan FC on 14 January.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
