- DC Srinagar attends event as Chief Guest to encourage players
SRINAGAR: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) faced off against Sporting Club Bangalore in an exciting I-League match held at the TRC Ground here on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, graced the event as the Chief Guest to encourage the participating players. While interacting with the players and other officials of both the teams, the DC extended his best wishes to them. He said sport plays a crucial role in development of physical and mental health of the youth, besides inculcating discipline and leadership qualities among them.
During the match, Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Sporting Club Bengaluru in an electrifying I-League match. On the occasion, RKFC owner Arshad Shawl expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner for his support, which he said was a significant encouragement for the team. Brazilian striker Paulo Cezar was the star of the evening, scoring twice (28’, 55’) to give RKFC a solid lead. Senegalese forward Abdou Karim sealed the win with a penalty, while SC Bengaluru’s Henry Kisseka managed a late consolation goal.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Lalramsanga’s perfectly timed cross from the left was headed home by Cezar. Although a follow-up goal by Cezar was disallowed soon after, the hosts remained dominant. In the 55th minute, Cezar struck again, skillfully rounding Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Bishal Lama after receiving a well-placed pass from Karim. The situation worsened for SC Bengaluru in the 70th minute when goalkeeper Lama fouled Karim inside the box, earning a red card. Down to 10 men, Bengaluru conceded the penalty, which Karim converted with ease.
The match's intensity continued as SC Bengaluru’s captain Carlos Lomba was also sent off in stoppage time, reducing the visitors to nine players. Despite the setbacks, Ugandan striker Kisseka found the net in the dying moments, offering a consolation for Bengaluru.
With this victory, all three of RKFC’s wins this season have come on their home ground, reinforcing their strength at the TRC Football Turf. RKFC is the only team from J&K participating in the I League. The team will play their next home game on January 26.
