Nagaland United stun Real Kashmir 3-1 on IFL debut in Srinagar

Nagaland United SC made a winning start to life in the Indian Football League (IFL), beating Real Kashmir FC 3-1 away from home in the season opener at TRC Ground in Srinagar on Friday.

Forward Vanlalhriatzuala K scored twice and was named Man of the Match as the debutants collected their first league points in front of a large crowd that braved the cold for the 6:30 pm floodlit kick-off.

Early goals set the tone

Nagaland United needed only three minutes to go ahead. A long throw from Stephen Lalrinfela on the left caused trouble in the Real Kashmir box, and after his first attempt was blocked, JH Remlala won the loose ball back and drove it high into the net.

The second goal, in the 21st minute, came from a neat passing move. Vincent Lalduhawma brought down a high ball and combined with Zomuansanga, who sent Vanlalhriatzuala clear on the right. The striker finished low into the far corner.

The hosts grew into the game and had chances before the break. Thabiso Nelson Brown headed over in the 24th minute and captain Marcus Leric Jr Joseph glanced a corner just wide ten minutes later. In first-half stoppage time, Nagaland United goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia made two saves, from Brown and from a long-range shot by Joseph Lalvenhima, to keep the 2-0 lead.

Own goal, then a decisive third

Real Kashmir pushed hard after the restart and pulled one back in the 59th minute, when a cross from Lalvenhima was turned into his own net by Nagaland United's Rohmingthanga as he tried to clear.

The visitors steadied themselves and restored the two-goal cushion in the 74th minute. Zomuansanga slipped a pass through from the right and Vanlalhriatzuala rounded the advancing goalkeeper James Kirthan to roll the ball into an empty net.

Kirthan kept the margin from growing with a diving save from Laldanmawia in the 83rd minute, while late efforts from Brown and Mohit Mittal for the home side went wide.

Young line-up pays off

Head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla started five under-22 players: C Zomuanpuia, Laldanmawia, Stephen Lalrinfela, Laltnanzova and Remlala. Real Kashmir coach Ishfaq Ahmed named two in a 4-4-2.

J&K Sports Minister Mir Saifullah and Real Kashmir owner Arshad Nizam Shawl were among those at the ground.

The result is a statement start for a new club from the North East in the national league. Real Kashmir play their next match at home on November 7.