Srinagar, March 25 (NationPress) A pivotal goal by Seilenthang Lotjem in the second half propelled Namdhari Sports Club to a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Kashmir FC, marking their inaugural win of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday.

This win elevated Namdhari SC to sixth place in the standings with a total of six points from five matches, while Real Kashmir FC lingered in ninth with just two points from the same number of games. Niraj Kumar, the goalkeeper for Namdhari, earned the title of Man of the Match.

In preparation for their first home match of the season, Real Kashmir FC Assistant Coach Masood Maqbool implemented two changes to their starting lineup, substituting Shahid Nazir into defense for the suspended Habib Fofana and featuring Marius Obekop in attack instead of Seijoseph Haokip. On the other hand, Namdhari SC Head Coach Harpeet Singh made a single alteration, bringing back Lamine Moro from suspension to replace Manbir Singh.

The opening minutes saw neither team gain dominance in midfield, leading to numerous turnovers. Both squads found set-pieces to be their most effective strategy, with Real Kashmir utilizing long throw-ins and Namdhari focusing on capitalizing from free-kicks and corners.

During the first half, isolated attempts were the only genuine threats for either goalkeeper. Najib Ibrahim forced Real Kashmir's Furkan Ahmad Dar into a low save from the edge of the area, while at the opposite end, Niraj Kumar had to react swiftly to a miscalculated clearance from Karan Kumar Sharma, which nearly resulted in a goal.

The home team had the best opportunity of the half from a delivery into the box. Niraj Kumar ventured off his line but managed only a weak punch, causing the ball to return into a precarious area. Ahteeb Ahmad Dar attempted a bicycle kick that seemed destined to score, but Karan Sharma executed a vital clearance off the line with his chest, ensuring both teams went into halftime without a goal.

After the break, the Snow Leopards emerged with renewed vigor, establishing better midfield control and posing a greater threat in the attacking third. Shedrack Charles came closest to scoring, but his shot struck the crossbar and went wide.

Namdhari took the lead shortly after the hour mark thanks to Seilenthang Lotjem. Substitute Manbir Singh sent a cross to the far post, where Lotjem made a late run into the box, evading detection and expertly placing the ball past the goalkeeper.

In pursuit of an equalizer, Real Kashmir ramped up the pressure. Shedrack Charles tested the goalkeeper with a powerful shot that was deflected away, and shortly after, Niraj Kumar had to make another crucial save against Kamal Issah's free-kick, which took an awkward bounce.

Namdhari managed to safeguard their slim lead until the final whistle, enduring intense pressure from the home team. Despite Real Kashmir's efforts to introduce fresh players and elevate the intensity inside the box, Namdhari's resolute defense thwarted their attempts, leaving the hosts with yet another winless outing this season.