Indian Football League 2025-26: Late Kolawole header scores three points for Diamond Harbor

Diamond Harbor FC came from behind in the second half through goals from Hugo Diaz and substitute Sunday Kolawole to secure a 2-1 win over Real Kashmir FC in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Thursday.

Junior Traore had earlier leveled the home side after Diaz’s opener, but Kolawole’s late header made it three points for the visitors.

This win moved Diamond Harbor to the top of the table with 13 points from six matches, while Real Kashmir remains at the bottom with two points.

Real Kashmir started on the front foot, dominating possession in the opening stages and creating a series of half-chances. Rohen Singh and Oinam Sanatomba Singh were both involved in promising moves, while Ahteeb Ahmad Dar looked lively on the flanks. However, the home team failed to convert the early pressure into a goal.

Diamond Harbor gradually grew into the match and began to threaten, with Bryce Miranda and Antonio Moyano seeing more of the ball as the first half progressed. Despite some attempts from both sides, neither side managed to break the deadlock as the match went into the break goalless.

The visitors came out stronger after the restart and took the lead in the 55th minute. Bryce Miranda made a drive run to the left and hit the ball to Hugo Díaz, who finished calmly to give Diamond Harbor the lead.

Real Kashmir responded well and found the equalizer in the 67th minute. Right back Basit Ahmed Bhat delivered a precise cross from the right, and Traore scored with a diving header to make it 1-1.

The match then started with both sides pushing forward in search of a winner. Goalkeepers Furkan Ahmed Dar and Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem were called into action several times to keep their team in the match.

The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute when Diamond Harbor took advantage of a set piece. Antonio Moyano delivered a curling free-kick into the penalty area, and substitute Kolawole, who had come on just two minutes earlier, rose to head home and restore the visitors’ lead.

Real Kashmir pushed for a late equalizer in the closing stages but could not find the finishing touch as Diamond Harbor held on to secure a hard-fought 2-1 win genin3ns.

Published on April 2, 2026