Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) kept their I-League 2024-25 title hopes alive with a commanding 3-1 victory over Inter Kashi at Kalyani Stadium. The crucial win propelled RKFC to 29 points from 17 matches, just two points behind joint leaders Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers, who both have 31 points.
Inter Kashi started on the front foot, with Domingo Berlanga and Bryce Miranda testing Real Kashmir’s defensive resilience early in the game. However, the visitors held firm and gradually took control. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Ocran Idan chipped a precise pass to Abdou Karim Samb, who executed a brilliant first-time volley to hand RKFC the lead.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, RKFC doubled their advantage as Paulo Cézar rose high to head home a curling free-kick, making it 2-0 at the break.
Inter Kashi pushed hard in the second half but struggled to breach RKFC’s well-organized defence. Their best opportunity came when Bijoy V’s header sailed over the bar. They finally managed to pull one back in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with Mario Barco finding the net.
However, RKFC responded immediately. Straight from the restart, Gnohere Krizo calmly slotted in a crucial third goal, sealing a vital 3-1 victory for the visitors and keeping their title chase on track.
With the race for the I-League title heating up, Real Kashmir remains firmly in contention as the season approaches its final stretch.