Real Kashmir FC clinched a 2-1 victory against Aizawl FC in their Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 Relegation Phase match at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Monday, 12 May, finishing their campaign on a high note. Christian Moses and Junior Traore scored from the penalty spot in the first and second half respectively to guide the Snow Leopards to three points, while Laltlanzova netted the lone goal for Aizawl. The win propelled Real Kashmir to the top of the Relegation Phase standings with 14 points, one ahead of Aizawl's 11 points.

First-half dominance and Moses's penalty

Both teams began with attacking intent, pressing aggressively and transitioning quickly through midfield. Zomuansanga provided an early threat for Aizawl within the opening 20 seconds, driving into the Real Kashmir penalty area after a bright start. Aizawl looked to exploit the flanks through Vanlalhriatzuala K and Eric Remruatpuia Chhangte, while Real Kashmir countered with Ahteeb Ahmad Dar and Moses making repeated runs down the wings. The deadlock held until deep into added time when Real Kashmir were awarded a penalty just before halftime. Moses stepped up in the eighth minute of injury time and calmly sent goalkeeper Vanlal Hriatpuia the wrong way, handing the Snow Leopards a crucial lead heading into the break.

Traore doubles the advantage early in second half

Real Kashmir resumed with renewed attacking intensity and nearly doubled their advantage immediately after the restart. Issah rose highest from a corner in the 46th minute and directed a deft header toward goal, but Hriatpuia reacted sharply to parry the effort away. Traore came close in the 53rd minute after finding space inside the penalty area, but the Aizawl goalkeeper again came to his team's rescue with a quick save. The sustained pressure eventually paid dividends on the hour mark. Moments after Haokip's header had been cleared off the goalline, Aafreen was fouled inside the penalty area to hand Real Kashmir a second spot-kick. Traore stepped up and calmly slotted his effort into the bottom corner in the 60th minute to double the Snow Leopards' advantage.

Aizawl's late fightback falls short

Unlike the first half, where both sides competed on equal footing, the second period was largely dominated by Real Kashmir. Aizawl struggled to sustain possession in the attacking third, with their backline forced into extended defensive spells for most of the half. Aizawl finally threatened in the 67th minute when Laltlanzova showed good footwork inside the box before getting his shot away, but Aafreen produced an excellent last-ditch block to preserve the two-goal cushion. Aizawl managed to pull one back after Real Kashmir failed to clear their lines from a corner. Laltlanzova reacted quickest at the near post and rifled the loose ball into the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Jetli's heroics seal the win

The match produced one final dramatic moment deep into stoppage time when Aizawl were awarded a penalty after Jetli brought down an opposition player inside the box. Zomuansanga stepped up with a chance to rescue a point for his side, but Jetli guessed correctly and produced an excellent diving save to preserve Real Kashmir's lead and cap off an impressive debut performance between the sticks. The result leaves Real Kashmir as the top-placed team in the Relegation Phase, while Aizawl finishes second with both sides having secured safety from the drop.