I-League 2024-25: Real Kashmir Maintains Undefeated Home Streak with Win Against Dempo SC
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Synopsis
On January 26, Real Kashmir FC triumphed over Dempo SC with a 2-0 scoreline at the TRC Football Turf, preserving their unbeaten home record in the I-League 2024-25. Goals from Lalramsanga and Abdou Karim Samb secured a vital win that moved Real Kashmir up to fifth in the standings.
Key Takeaways
- Real Kashmir FC remains unbeaten at home.
- They achieved a 2-0 victory over Dempo SC.
- Goals were scored by Lalramsanga and Abdou Karim Samb.
- This win elevates Real Kashmir to fifth in the league.
- Dempo SC struggles remain, sitting in eighth place.
Srinagar, Jan 26 (NationPress) Real Kashmir FC maintained their unbeaten home form in the I-League 2024-25 by achieving a convincing 2-0 victory against Dempo Sports Club from Goa at the TRC Football Turf on Sunday.
Both goals were scored in the second half, with Lalramsanga finding the net in the 52nd minute and Abdou Karim Samb adding another in the 58th minute, marking Real Kashmir’s fourth home win of the season. This triumph propelled Real Kashmir to the fifth spot in the league standings with 16 points from 10 matches.
On the other hand, Dempo SC struggled to find form, remaining in the eighth position with just 11 points from 10 matches. Their promising start to the season has faded, as they now face a streak of five consecutive matches without a win and have only scored once in that span.
The match showcased the tactical expertise of two ex-India internationals turned coaches, with Ishfaq Ahmed’s Real Kashmir outclassing Samir Naik’s Dempo SC, whose strategy relied on solid defense and counter-attacks.
Dempo started strong, creating the first significant opportunity in the 30th minute. Shaher Shaheen assisted Seigoumang Doungel, whose powerful left-foot shot from the edge of the box struck the crossbar, setting the tone for a closely contested encounter. Despite several attempts, Real Kashmir found it challenging to penetrate the Dempo defense in the first half.
However, the dynamics shifted dramatically after halftime. Real Kashmir ramped up their intensity and broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. A mishandled clearance by Dempo’s defense fell perfectly for Lalramsanga, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards out, leaving Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi helpless.
Dempo responded quickly, aiming for an equalizer. Knerkitalang Buam came agonizingly close with a long-range shot that hit the crossbar again, reflecting the frustration experienced by his teammate.
Real Kashmir extended their lead in the 58th minute through a well-coordinated play on the right. Paulo Cezar delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Senegalese Karim Samb headed the ball into the net, marking the hosts’ second goal.
The hosts had another opportunity to increase their lead in the 66th minute when Karim Samb intercepted a weak pass from the defense. However, he surprisingly missed the target with a shot that went wide.
