Shillong Lajong FC suffered a 2-0 defeat in the I-League 2024-25 at the hands of Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar today.
Bouba Aminou (45’+4) and Kamal Issah (88′) both scored towards the end of each half. Before today Real Kashmir and Lajong were both level on 16 points each. However, the win takes RKFC to 19 and up to fourth place, while Lajong are now seventh. They could slip to eighth if Sreenidi Deccan (who have a game in hand) win against struggling Aizawl FC tomorrow.
SLFC coach Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia made just one change to the starting line-up from the win against Aizawl FC a few days ago, putting in Saveme Tariang in place of Kynsailang Khongsit.
The icy chill in Srinagar did little to deter Real Kashmir as they warmed up their fans’ hearts with a delightful win over SLFC. The Snow Leopards are now unbeaten at home in eight matches, comprising five wins and three draws.
Real Kashmir bounced back in style after losing their last match to Churchill Brothers in Goa. Buoyed by strong home support, their cohesive play and tactical discipline were evident as they took control of the game from the outset.
Lajong, meanwhile, started with confidence and created a few chances in the early stages. However, Real Kashmir goalkeeper Zahid Bukhari stood tall under the bar. First, he parried away a fierce shot from Figo Syndai from outside the box and then deflected a Phrangki Buam long-range strike onto the crossbar.
Real Kashmir, too, created an opportunity when Kamal capitalised on a goalmouth melee and tried to head the ball over Lajong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar. But Lajong defender Aman Ahlawat made a goal line clearance.
Real Kashmir finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half. A long throw from the left found Bouba inside the box and the Cameroonian headed home his third goal of the season to give Real Kashmir the lead.
In the second half, Lajong players attempted to break through with quick passing but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by the hosts’ solid defensive set-up.
The Snow Leopards sealed the game in the 88th minute when Mohammed Aqib sent a brilliant long ball forward to release Kamal. The Ghanaian midfielder showcased his strength and speed as he brushed past Lajong’s Maxderidoff Wahlang to calmly finish past an onrushing Sarkar to give Real Kashmir another 3 points at home.
Lajong will now return home to take on Namdhari on February 8 at 7pm at the SSA Stadium.
