Real Kashmir FC secured a 3-0 victory against 10-man Gokulam Kerala FC in an Indian Football League 2025-26 relegation stage fixture 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 advantage in the 49th minute through Shedrack Charles. Mohammad Inam added the third goal three minutes later to seal a comfortable victory.
Gokulam Kerala was 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 consecutive victory, climbing to second place in the relegation stage standings. The Malabarians remained second from bottom with eight points, just one point above the relegation zone.
Gokulam Kerala made a lively start and created an opening as early as the second minute. Rahul Raju’s left-footed volley from the edge of the box drifted wide after Bouba had chested 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 was heading towards Moses Lalrinzuala for what looked like a simple tap-in.
Real Kashmir gradually grew into the match and began putting together 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.
The goalkeeper was called into action again midway through the half, this time keeping out a long-range effort from Marius Obekop.
Real Kashmir’s sustained pressure paid off in the 26th minute when it 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 unsettled Barata, whose attempted headed clearance 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 had been booked earlier in the half.
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Real Kashmir doubled its lead four minutes after the restart, again capitalising from a set-piece. Obekop’s corner was punched clear by Shibinraj, but Mohammad Inam sent the loose ball back towards goal. The effort struck Shedrack and came off the post, with the rebound falling kindly for the Nigerian striker, who had the simplest of tap-ins with no defender tracking his run.
The side from Srinagar found its third goal after capitalising on a mistake from Shibinraj. The goalkeeper came off his line to collect a stray pass and, while trying to release the ball quickly to a teammate, saw his throw intercepted by Inam in midfield.
The captain kept his composure from nearly 35 yards out and calmly chipped the ball into the empty net.
Real Kashmir comfortably held on to its three-goal advantage to register its third consecutive victory in the league.
Published on Apr 30, 2026
