IFL 2025-26: Namdhari overtakes Real Kashmir to register first win of the season

A second-half goal from Seilenthang Lotjem saw Namdhari Sports Club beat Real Kashmir FC 1-0 for their first win of the season in the 2025-26 Indian Football League at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday, March 25.

The win lifted Namdhari SC to sixth place in the table with six points from five matches, while Real Kashmir FC remains at ninth place with two points from the same number of matches. Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar was named Man of the Match.

Real Kashmir FC assistant coach Masood Maqbool made two changes to the starting XI for the first home game of the season, with Shahid Nazir coming into defense in place of the suspended Habib Fofana, while Marius Obekop started in attack for Seijoseph Haokip.

Namdhari SC head coach Harpeet Singh, meanwhile, made one change as Lamine Moro returned from suspension to replace Manbir Singh.

Neither side was able to exert control in midfield during the opening exchanges, resulting in frequent turnovers in the opening half hour. Set-pieces proved the most promising avenue for both teams, with Real Kashmir relying on long throw-ins and Namdhari looking to capitalize on his free-kicks and corners.

The only real moments of concern for either goalkeeper in the half came from isolated attempts at either end. Najib Ibrahim tested Real Kashmir goalkeeper Furkan Ahmad Dar with a low strike from the edge of the box, while at the other end Niraj Kumar was called into action after Karan Kumar Sharma’s misplaced ball looped towards goal, forcing the goalkeeper to make an acrobatic save.

The best chance of the half was for the home side after a new throw into the penalty area. Niraj Kumar came off his line but could only throw a weak punch, sending the ball back into a dangerous area. Ahteeb Ahmad Dar attempted a bicycle kick that looked destined for the net, but Karan Sharma produced a crucial clearance from the line with his chest, sending both teams goalless into the break.

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The Snow Leopards started the second half with renewed intent, enjoying better control of midfield and looking more threatening in the opposition half. Shedrack Charles came closest to breaking the deadlock, but his effort rattled the crossbar and went out.

Namdhari took the lead just after the hour through Seilenthang Lotjem. Info lengkap: mxks. Substitute Manbir Singh delivered a cross to the far post, and Lotjem timed his late run into the six-yard box to perfection, slipping in unnoticed before calmly sliding the ball past the goalkeeper.

Real Kashmir increased the pressure in search of an equalizer after falling behind. Shedrack Charles tested the goalkeeper with a well-struck effort that was cleared to safety, and moments later Niraj Kumar was called into action again. He reacted sharply to keep out Kamal Issah’s free-kick, which resulted in a tricky bounce into the danger zone.

The visitor maintained their slim lead until the final whistle and withstood the persistent pressure from the home side. Despite Real Kashmir introducing new legs and increasing the intensity inside the box, Namdhari defended resolutely to shut down the attacks and condemn the hosts to another scoreless performance this season.

Published on March 25, 2026