IFL relegation battle 2025-26: Namdhari beats 10-man Real Kashmir to boost survival chances

Namdhari FC boosted its survival hopes with a 3-0 win against 10-member Real Kashmir FC in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Monday.

Goals from Manvir Singh, Manish Chaudhary and Najib Fuseini Ibrahim sealed the victory for Namdhari FC, with Real Kashmir reduced to 10 men in the second half after goalkeeper Furkan Ahmad Dar was sent off.

The result moves Namdhari to third place in the relegation stage with 10 points, above Gokulam Kerala, who have played a match less, while Real Kashmir remains second with 11 points.

Real Kashmir started in the foreground, asserting control through sustained possession and a direct approach into the final third, with Marius Obekop and Ateeb Ahmed Dar looking to extend play and supply Mohammad Inam and Shedrack Charles. With survival within reach if it secured a point, the urgency of his play was clear.

However, Namdhari struck first in the 13th minute against the style of play. Manvir rose to meet a cross and his header, aided by a tricky bounce for Furkan, slid into the net to give the visitor the lead.

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Real Kashmir continued to dominate the ball but missed an incision, with Charles largely isolated and clear chances limited against a compact Namdhari block. The visitor remained dangerous in transition and created openings through fast forward breaks and set pieces.

After a series of warnings, most notably from Seilenthang Lotjem, Namdhari doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time. Manish spotted Furkan Ahmad Dar off his line and produced a brilliant long-range strike that curled into the net to finish off a clinical half from the visitor.

Despite having 78 percent possession, Real Kashmir went into half-time 2-0 down, with Namdhari making his moments count much more efficiently.

Real Kashmir resumed the match with the same attacking intent but once again found it difficult to break Namdhari’s well-organised defensive shape. Basit Ahmed Bhat tried to create openings from wide areas, but the visitor remained alert to the danger.

The match turned decisively in the 58th minute when Real Kashmir were reduced to 10 men. Furkan was shown a straight red card after a reckless challenge on Lotjem outside the penalty area, widening the deficit.

The hosts’ best chance fell late to Christian Moses, but his close-range effort lacked conviction and was comfortably saved.

Namdhari put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. With Real Kashmir stretched out, Manvir released Ibrahim with a precise through ball, and the striker calmly slipped past Kadir to seal a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Published on May 4, 2026