Real Kashmir end season on winning note with 2-1 victory over Aizawl FC

Hyderabad: Real Kashmir FC wrapped up their IFL 2025-26 Relegation Phase campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Aizawl FC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Monday. Goals from Christian Moses and Junior Traore helped the Snow Leopards finish their season on a positive note, while Laltlanzova scored the lone goal for Aizawl FC.

With the victory, Real Kashmir finished at the top of the Relegation Phase standings with 14 points, while Aizawl ended just behind them on 11 points.

The match began at a lively pace, with both teams showing attacking intent right from kickoff. Aizawl nearly made an early breakthrough inside the opening minute when Zomuansanga made a dangerous run into the Real Kashmir penalty area.

Both sides played freely, knowing relegation concerns had already been settled. Aizawl tried to create chances through Vanlalhriatzuala K and Eric Remruatpuia Chhangte on the wings, while Real Kashmir relied on the pace and movement of Ahteeb Ahmad Dar and Moses in attack.

Despite Aizawl’s quick counter-attacks, Real Kashmir’s defence remained organised and prevented any major threat before halftime.

The breakthrough finally came deep into first-half stoppage time when Real Kashmir earned a penalty. Moses calmly converted from the spot in added time to give his side a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Real Kashmir dominated large parts of the second half and almost doubled their lead immediately after restart, but Aizawl goalkeeper Vanlal Hriatpuia produced a series of important saves to keep his side in the game.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 60th minute when Real Kashmir won another penalty after Aafreen was fouled inside the box. Junior Traore made no mistake from the spot, firing into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Aizawl struggled to maintain possession for much of the second half but finally pulled one back in the 67th minute. Laltlanzova reacted quickly inside the box after a corner and smashed home from close range to reduce the deficit.

The game produced late drama in stoppage time when Aizawl were awarded a penalty after Jetli brought down an opposition player inside the box. However, Jetli redeemed himself moments later by diving the right way to save Zomuansanga’s penalty and secure all three points for Real Kashmir.

The result capped off an impressive finish to the campaign for the Snow Leopards, who ended the relegation phase as the top-performing side.

With inputs from IANS