Srinagar, March 25 – Seilenthang Lotjem's crucial second-half goal helped Namdhari Sports Club defeat Real Kashmir FC 1-0 in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday, securing their first win of the season.
This victory lifted Namdhari SC to sixth in the league standings with six points from five matches, while Real Kashmir FC remain ninth with two points from the same number of matches. Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar was named the Man of the Match.
Real Kashmir FC assistant coach Masood Maqbool made two changes to their starting XI for their home match, with Shahid Nazir replacing the suspended Habib Fofana in defence, and Marius Obekop starting in attack ahead of Seijoseph Haokip. Namdhari SC head coach Harpeet Singh, meanwhile, made one change, with Lamine Moro returning from suspension to replace Manbir Singh.
Neither side was able to establish dominance in midfield during the early exchanges, resulting in frequent turnovers in the first half. Set-pieces proved to be the most promising avenue for both teams, with Real Kashmir relying on long throw-ins, and Namdhari looking to capitalise on their free-kick deliveries and corner kicks.
The only real moments of concern for either goalkeeper came from isolated efforts at both ends. Najib Ibrahim tested Real Kashmir goalkeeper Furkan Ahmad Dar with a low shot from the edge of the box, while at the other end, Niraj Kumar had to make a save after Karan Kumar Sharma's mis-hit clearance looped towards the goal.
The best chance of the half fell to the home side. Niraj Kumar came off his line but could only manage a weak punch, with the ball looping back into a dangerous area. Ahteeb Ahmad Dar attempted a bicycle kick that looked destined for the net, but Karan Sharma produced a crucial clearance off the line, ensuring both sides went into the break goalless.
The Snow Leopards began the second half with renewed intent, enjoying better control in midfield and looking more threatening in the opposition half. Shedrack Charles came closest to breaking the deadlock, but his shot hit the crossbar.
Namdhari took the lead just after the hour mark through Seilenthang Lotjem. Substitute Manbir Singh delivered a cross to the far post, and Lotjem timed his run perfectly, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Real Kashmir stepped up the pressure in search of an equaliser. Shedrack Charles tested the goalkeeper with a well-struck shot that was parried away, and moments later, Niraj Kumar had to make another save, reacting sharply to keep out Kamal Issah’s free-kick.
The visitors held on to their slender lead until the final whistle, weathering sustained pressure from the home side. Despite Real Kashmir introducing fresh legs and increasing the intensity inside the box, Namdhari defended resolutely to shut down the attacks and condemn the hosts to another winless outing this season.