Srinagar, March 25 A second-half goal by Seilenthang Lotjem helped Namdhari Sports Club defeat Real Kashmir FC 1-0, securing their first win of the season in the Indian Football League here on Wednesday.
The victory lifted Namdhari SC to sixth in the standings with six points from five matches, while Real Kashmir remain ninth with two points from as many games.
Both teams struggled to gain control in midfield during the early stages, leading to frequent turnovers.
The only real moments of concern for either goalkeeper came from isolated efforts. Najib Ibrahim tested Real Kashmir goalkeeper Furkan Ahmad Dar with a low shot from the edge of the box, while on the other end, Niraj Kumar was forced into action after Karan Kumar Sharma's misdirected clearance went straight towards the goal, forcing the goalkeeper into an acrobatic save.
Namdhari took the lead just after the hour mark through Lotjem. Substitute Manbir Singh delivered a cross to the far post, and Lotjem perfectly timed his run into the six-yard box, slipping in unnoticed before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Real Kashmir intensified their efforts to equalize, but the visitors managed to hold on to their slender lead until the final whistle.