I-League: Real Kashmir Intensifies Title Challenge with 2-1 Victory over Aizawl
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Synopsis
Real Kashmir FC's recent 2-1 victory against Aizawl FC has tightened the title race in I-League 2024-25, bringing them closer to the top. The match featured critical goals and a pivotal penalty save, keeping their title hopes alive.
Key Takeaways
- Real Kashmir wins 2-1 against Aizawl FC.
- Karim Samb and Paulo Cezar scored for the hosts.
- Aizawl remains in the relegation zone.
- Real Kashmir now trails the leaders by just two points.
- Crucial late penalty save by Mohd Arbaz.
Srinagar, March 9 (NationPress) Real Kashmir FC has narrowed the gap to just two points from the top of the I-League 2024-25 following a gritty 2-1 victory against Aizawl FC, who are struggling to avoid relegation, at the TRC Turf Ground in Srinagar on Sunday.
This marks Real Kashmir’s fifth consecutive win at home and their fourth victory in the last five matches, bringing their points total to 32 from 18 games, placing them just two points behind both Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi. With only four matches remaining, the title race is heating up. Meanwhile, Aizawl remains in the relegation zone, sitting 11th with 16 points, just one point behind SC Bengaluru.
Senegalese striker Karim Samb opened the scoring for the Snow Leopards before Lalrinzuala equalized for Aizawl with his ninth goal of the season. Brazilian Paulo Cezar, who came on as a substitute, netted the decisive goal for the hosts, who also managed to save a late penalty to secure all three points.
The game began with both sides exchanging chances, with goalkeepers making routine saves early on. As the match progressed, Real Kashmir took control and started applying pressure on the visitors. In the 21st minute, Aizawl nearly scored an own goal when Samuel Lalmuanpuia nearly deflected an Ocran Idan corner just wide of the far post.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 31st minute due to a defensive blunder by Aizawl. Karim Samb seized the opportunity, raced into the box, and slotted the ball past Md Rafique Ali Sardar for his fifth goal of the season.
Aizawl's high defensive line led Real Kashmir to attempt long balls for wingers to exploit. In the 37th minute, right-back Shahid Nazir received one such pass but, facing a tight angle, his shot was saved by Sardar.
Defensively, Nazir remained busy as he cleared a low cross from Lalrinzuala that threatened to reach Lalbiakdika. Unfortunately, Nazir sustained an injury and had to be substituted by Basit Ahmed Bhat at the half.
Aizawl started the second half strongly and earned an equalizer in the 58th minute, albeit through a goalkeeping mistake. Laltlanzova shot directly at Mohd Arbaz, who spilled the ball, allowing Lalrinzuala to tap in from close range.
The match became more balanced as both sides had opportunities to score again but failed to convert. For Real Kashmir, Mohammad Inam provided a cross for substitute Paulo Cézar, who headed narrowly wide. At the other end, Lalrinzuala set up an unmarked Lalbiakdia, but he missed his shot.
Ultimately, Paulo Cezar found the net again in the 77th minute, turning out to be the winning goal. Basit provided a low cross into the six-yard box, allowing the Brazilian to score from close range, making it 2-1.
However, the drama wasn't over. Just five minutes later, Mohd Aqib handled an aerial cross inside the box, prompting referee Crystal John to award a penalty. Lalrinzuala stepped up to try to complete his double-digit goal tally for the season but his shot was saved by Arbaz, who redeemed himself with a trailing foot save. The 19-year-old celebrated passionately, having turned the match around after his earlier mistake.
