IFL Thriller: Sreenidi Deccan Hold Real Kashmir to 1-1 Draw in Srinagar
Real Kashmir and Sreenidi Deccan shared the spoils in a thrilling 1-1 IFL clash in Srinagar. Read the full match report here.
In a high-octane encounter at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar, Real Kashmir FC and Sreenidi Deccan FC played out an entertaining 1-1 draw during their Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 clash on Saturday. The match saw the home side break their scoring drought for the season, while the visitors showed resilience to secure a point and climb the league standings.
Early Dominance by the Snow Leopards
Clad in their traditional yellow shirts and backed by a passionate home crowd, Real Kashmir started the game with immense energy. The "Snow Leopards" controlled the early tempo, with midfielders Ningthoukhongjam Rohen Singh, Lalawmpuia Sailo (Omoma), and Mohit Mittal, supported by U-22 forward Khullakpam Zahir Khan, orchestrating a series of fluid attacks.
The visitors, Sreenidi Deccan, survived a massive scare in the 10th minute when Real Kashmir earned a dangerous free-kick right on the edge of the six-yard box. However, the defensive wall consisting of Pritam Kotal, Gurmukh Singh, Nishu Kumar, and Jagdeep Singh managed to keep the ball out.
Sreenidi Deccan almost silenced the crowd shortly after. Skipper David Castaneda broke through the defense, bypassing Alain Eyenga and Shanid Valan to find himself one-on-one. In a moment of brilliance, Real Kashmir goalkeeper Susnata Malik produced a point-blank save to deny the Deccan Warriors.
The Breakthrough
The pressure finally paid off for the hosts in the 19th minute. A spectacular delivery from Omoma found captain Marcus Leric Jr Joseph, whose powerful header was parried by goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh. The rebound fell perfectly for Thabiso Nelson Brown, who clinicaly slotted the ball home to give Real Kashmir their first goal of the season.
For the remainder of the first half, the Snow Leopards dominated possession and the midfield battle. Sreenidi Deccan, anchored by Pronay Halder, were forced to rely on counter-attacks, struggling to find a rhythm against a disciplined home side.
Sreenidi Deccan Fight Back
The second half saw a tactical shift from the southern outfit, and they quickly found their footing. In the 52nd minute, a well-orchestrated team effort led to the equalizer. Portuguese playmaker Adriano Duarte Castanheira initiated a brilliant run and linked up with Jagdeep Singh, whose precise cross was met by David Castaneda, who powered a header past Susunate Malik.
A Tense Finale
Following the equalizer, the game slowed down as both teams adopted a more cautious approach. However, Real Kashmir regained their momentum in the final quarter of the match. The most dramatic moment arrived in the 80th minute when a corner kick found Thabiso Nelson Brown; however, Kamaljit Singh produced the save of the match to keep the score level.
The match entered five minutes of stoppage time with Real Kashmir pushing hard for a winner. Brown had another opportunity to snatch victory, but he was unable to convert. The game ended in a frantic series of long balls from both goalkeepers, resulting in a shared point.
Impact on the Table
The draw has significant implications for both clubs in the IFL standings:
- Sreenidi Deccan: The point propels them into third position on the table.
- Real Kashmir: The Snow Leopards finally opened their account with one point, moving them into eighth position, just above Samaleswari SC.