Football
I-League 2024: Real Kashmir and Kashi share spoils, Delhi FC secure first win
Real Kashmir and Inter Kashi played out a 1-1 draw to stay joint leaders, while Delhi FC secured their first win with a 1-0 triumph over Sreenidi Deccan.
Delhi FC wins their first game (Photo credit: I-League)
A thrilling Round 4 of the I-League 2024-25 season saw Real Kashmir FC and Inter Kashi continue their neck-and-neck battle at the top of the table, while Delhi FC celebrated their first win of the campaign.
At the TRC Football Turf in Srinagar, Real Kashmir FC played out a 1-1 draw against Inter Kashi.
Midfielder Lalramsanga gave the Snow Leopards an early lead in the 8th minute, nodding home a well-taken corner.
Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Real Kashmir couldn’t extend their advantage, leaving the door open for Inter Kashi to level.
Spanish forward Domingo Berlanga finally capitalized on his opportunities, finding the equalizer in the 69th minute with a clinical left-footed finish after a well-timed counterattack.
Both goalkeepers, Real Kashmir’s Mohd Arbaz and Inter Kashi’s Arindam Bhattacharya, delivered crucial saves in the dying moments to ensure the scoreline remained unchanged.
The draw kept both teams tied at the top with eight points each from four matches, underlining their status as early title contenders.
Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, Delhi FC pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Deccan Arena.
After a goalless first half dominated by intricate but ineffective build-up play, the visitors struck in the 71st minute.
Winger Jakob Vanlalhimpuia set up Stephane Binong, whose deft first touch and composed finish over the advancing goalkeeper secured the decisive goal.
Sreenidi, missing opportunities and hitting the crossbar in injury time, failed to score for the first time in a home fixture since the 2022-23 season.
The loss left the Deccan Warriors in fifth place with six points, while Delhi FC climbed to 10th, injecting life into their season.
