Srinagar: Debutants Namdhari FC ended their I-League 2023-24 journey in the ninth position by inflicting an impressive 4-1 win over Real Kashmir FC at the TRC Football Turf. These tree points total Namdhari FC to end their maiden campaign with 27 points out of 24 matches. They have won seven matches, drew six and lost eleven.
Namdhari led 2-0 by the half time. Stephen Acquah, Imanol Arana Sadaba and Manvir Singh (2) were the scorers for Namdhari FC. Lalramdinsanga Ralte found the net late for Real Kashmir FC.
.@realkashmirfc's home turf turns turbulent as Namdhari FC secures victory in their last match of the season! ☑️⚡️#RKFCNAM ⚔️ #ILeague 🏆 #TogetherWeRise 🤝 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/WgHbS8OcPe
— I-League (@ILeague_aiff) April 13, 2024
Real Kashmir FC remained in fifth place with 40 points from 24 matches. The defeat against Namdhari was their second consecutive after loosing against relegated side TRAU FC in Kalyani. Real Kashmir FC got reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute as defender Hyder Yousuf was sent off for a foul.
Played in front of a goodly crowd, the home side found themselves at the receiving end early in the match as two goals against them within 24 minutes completely upset their game plan.
Namdhari’s first goal in the 20th minute took everyone by surprise for a few seconds. Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Acquah gathered the ball about 40 yards from the Real Kashmir goal, and as he noticed opposing custodian Muheet Shabir positioned slightly forward inside the box, he blasted a powerful yet looping shot that soared over the custodian’s head with considerable speed.
In the 24th minute, a home team defender was penalised for elbowing a rival inside the area, resulting in the second goal by penalty kick. Spanish midfielder Imanol Arana Sadaba converted the penalty kick with a confident strike. Namdhari’s third goal came at the stroke of the hour, a superb header by lanky striker Manvir Singh off a long ball inside the box that effectively ended Real Kashmir FC’s chances for the day.
Real Kashmir’s suffering continued after scoring a consolation goal in the 86th minute by Lalramdinsanga Ralte. Manvir Singh’s second goal of the day compounded the home side’s woes.
Brief Score :
Real Kashmir FC – 1
Lalramdinsanga Ralte 86′
Namdhari FC – 4
Stephen Acquah 20’
Imanol Arana Sadaba (p) 24’
Manvir Singh 60’, 90’
