IFL 2025-26: Real Kashmir beats 10-member Gokulam Kerala to register third straight win in relegation stages

Real Kashmir FC recorded a 3-0 win against 10-man Gokulam Kerala FC in the relegation phase of the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Thursday.

The Snow Leopards took the lead in the 26th minute through a Vitor Barata own goal, before doubling their lead in the 49th minute through Shedrack Charles. Mohammad Inam added the third goal three minutes later to seal a comfortable win.

Gokulam Kerala were reduced to 10 men in the first half after Bouba Aminou was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The Snow Leopards moved to 11 points with their third win in a row and climbed to second place in the relegation standings. The Malabarians remained second from bottom with eight points, just one point above the relegation zone.

Gokulam Kerala got off to a lively start and created an opening in the second minute. Rahul Raju’s left-footed volley from the edge of the box went wide after Bouba smashed the ball down from a set-piece.

Moments later, Habib Fofana produced a crucial clearance at the far post to cut out Rahul’s cross, which went towards Moses Lalrinzuala for what looked like a simple tap-in.

Real Kashmir gradually grew into the match and started mounting meaningful attacks. Shedrack produced a powerful solo run, beating a couple of defenders before unleashing a shot from a tight angle that was saved low by goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil.

Halfway through the half, the goalkeeper was called into action again, this time from Marius Obekop’s distance.

Real Kashmir’s persistent pressure paid off in the 26th minute when they took the lead through an own goal. Obekop’s corner was attacked at the near post by Ahteeb Ahmad Dar, who failed to make contact. However, Ahteeb’s presence upset Barata, whose attempted header ended up in his own net.

The Malabarians were reduced to 10 men just before the drinks break when Bouba was shown a second yellow card for an aggressive challenge on Oinam Sanatomba Singh. The defender received a yellow card earlier in the half.

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Real Kashmir doubled their lead four minutes after the restart and again benefited from a set-piece. Obekop’s corner was cleared by Shibinraj, but Mohammad Inam sent the loose ball back towards the goal. The effort struck Shedrack and came off the post, with the rebound falling kindly to the Nigerian striker, who had the simplest of tap-ins without a defender following his run.

The Srinagar side found its third goal after taking advantage of Shibinraj’s mistake. The goalkeeper came off his line to collect a stray pass and, while looking to quickly release the ball to a teammate, saw his throw intercepted by Inam in midfield.

The captain kept his composure from almost 35 yards out and calmly tapped the ball into the empty net.

Real Kashmir comfortably held on to its three-goal lead to record its third consecutive win in the competition.

Published on April 30, 2026