Srinagar, March 25: In a thrilling encounter in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26, Namdhari Sports Club secured their first victory of the season by defeating Real Kashmir FC 1-0 on Wednesday at the TRC Stadium. The only goal of the match was scored by Silenthang Lotjem.
With this win, Namdhari Sports Club climbed to sixth place in the standings with six points from five matches, while Real Kashmir FC remained in ninth place with just two points from the same number of games. Namdhari’s goalkeeper Neeraj Kumar was named ‘Man of the Match’.
Both teams struggled to establish dominance in midfield at the start of the match, resulting in frequent changes of possession during the first half hour. Set pieces proved to be the best opportunity for both teams to score. Real Kashmir relied on long throw-ins, while Namdhari attempted to capitalize on free-kicks and corner-kicks.
The only moment of concern for both goalkeepers came when a few sporadic attacks occurred from either side. Najib Ibrahim tested Real Kashmir’s goalkeeper Furkan Ahmed Dar with a low shot from the edge of the box, while a shot from Karan Kumar Sharma, intended to clear the ball, accidentally headed towards the goal, forcing Neeraj Kumar into a spectacular save.
The best chance to score in the first half fell to the home team when another ball was thrown into the box. Neeraj Kumar came off his line but could only weakly punch the ball, which then fell back into a dangerous area. Ahtib Ahmed Dar attempted a bicycle kick that looked destined for the goal, but Karan Sharma made a crucial clearance off the line, leaving both teams goalless at halftime.
The Snow Leopards started the second half with renewed vigor, showing better control in midfield and appearing more threatening in the opposition’s half. Shedrack Charles came closest to breaking the deadlock, but his attempt hit the crossbar and went out.
Just after the hour mark, Namdhari took the lead with a goal from Silenthang Lotjem. Substitute player Manbir Singh delivered a cross to the far post, and Lotjem timed his run perfectly into the six-yard box, calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
After falling behind, Real Kashmir ramped up the pressure to equalize. Shedrack Charles tested the goalkeeper with a powerful shot, which was safely pushed away. Moments later, Neeraj Kumar was again called into action, reacting quickly to save a free-kick from Kamal Issa, as the ball bounced awkwardly in the danger area. The visiting team maintained their slender lead until the final whistle, withstanding continuous pressure from the home side.
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Agency
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
