The hosts started strongly, controlling possession and building patiently from the back. Early chances were limited, though Rajasthan looked the more threatening side. Real Kashmir remained organised defensively, with their backline holding firm and goalkeeper Furqan Ahmed making key interventions to keep the scores level.

Both teams had glimpses of goal in the first half, but neither could find the breakthrough until stoppage time. Just before the break, Jordan Lamela delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Soukouna made no mistake with a composed first-time finish into the bottom corner to give Rajasthan the lead.

Real Kashmir came out with intent in the second half, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. However, their task became significantly tougher in the 58th minute when Habib Fofana was shown a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to ten men.

Despite the setback, Real Kashmir continued to fight and looked for a way back into the game, while Rajasthan aimed to capitalise on their numerical advantage. The hosts created a few chances to extend their lead but were unable to convert.

The situation worsened for the visitors in stoppage time when substitute Calvin Baretto received a straight red card, leaving Real Kashmir with nine men in the closing moments.

Rajasthan United held firm defensively to see out the game and secure all three points, with Soukouna’s decisive goal guiding them to an important victory.

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Real Kashmir made a strong start and took the lead in the 14th minute. Shedrack Charles capitalised on a mistake from the Aizawl goalkeeper and finished from close range to put the visitors ahead.

Aizawl gradually settled into the game and began controlling possession. Their efforts paid off just before half-time when they were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Zomuansanga stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 42nd minute to bring the hosts level.

Both teams continued to push for a winner in the second half as the match remained evenly balanced. Real Kashmir regained the lead in the 75th minute when Ahteeb Ahmad Dar rose highest to meet a delivery and powered a header into the top corner.

Despite falling behind again, Aizawl kept pressing forward in search of another equaliser. Their persistence finally paid off in stoppage time when Lalhriatpuia connected with a cross from Lalrempuia and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-2.

The late goal ensured the hosts secured a hard-earned point in a closely contested encounter, while Real Kashmir had to settle for a share of the spoils despite taking the lead twice.

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The match began with both teams evenly matched in midfield, with neither side able to dominate the early exchanges. Shillong Lajong tried to build their attacks through short passing combinations while occasionally looking for Everbrightson Sana with longer balls forward. Real Kashmir, meanwhile, relied on their physical presence and looked to capitalise on second balls from long passes.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock when Shedrack Charles powered forward and delivered a low cross across the six-yard box. Seijoseph Haokip was perfectly positioned to finish the move and give Real Kashmir the lead.

Shillong Lajong responded positively and gradually began to build momentum in attack. Their equaliser arrived six minutes before half-time when Phrangki Buam produced a stunning strike from the edge of the box, sending the ball flying into the net beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Real Kashmir started the second half strongly and had two excellent opportunities to regain the lead. Captain Mohammad Inam came close on both occasions but failed to convert, first heading wide from a promising position and later missing another clear chance inside the box.

The missed opportunities proved costly as Shillong Lajong turned the game around in the 57th minute. After a spell of sustained possession, Abhay Gurung delivered a precise pass into the box for Kenstar Kharshong, who made a late run forward and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to give the hosts the lead.

Real Kashmir pushed forward in search of an equaliser and introduced fresh players to increase their attacking threat. However, Shillong Lajong defended with discipline and organisation, limiting the visitors’ chances.

The hosts also remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with Buam testing the goalkeeper once again before the defence comfortably dealt with a series of long balls into the box during the closing stages.

Shillong Lajong ultimately held their advantage until the final whistle, sealing a valuable 2-1 comeback victory and securing their first win of the season.

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In a statement released by the club, it was confirmed that their foreign players were unable to secure visas on time, which delayed their arrival and participation in the pre-season camp. This unexpected issue left Real Kashmir with a limited squad of domestic players, making it impractical to prepare adequately for a tournament of such prestige and competitive intensity.

“With only a small domestic group available for training, it became impossible to compete at the required level of the AIFF Super Cup,” the club explained, expressing regret over the decision.

The club further clarified that these circumstances were completely beyond their control and that the withdrawal was made in the best interest of maintaining sporting standards and player welfare.

In light of Real Kashmir’s withdrawal, Dempo SC has been named as a potential replacement for the competition, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) expected to confirm the change soon.

Real Kashmir FC also assured supporters that the team remains committed to regrouping and returning stronger in the domestic season ahead. Known for their resilience and strong fan base, the Snow Leopards’ absence will be felt in this year’s Super Cup.

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Real Kashmir, however, powered by a brace from Danish Farooq (29′, 48′) and Bazie Armand (57′) wrapped the game in style. Danish Farooq was adjudged the Hero of the match for this game.

In the game between Neroca FC and debutants Real Kashmir FC, it were the visitors Real Kashmir FC who pressed hard right from the start. They nearly scored a goal in the 10th minute but an unfortunate foul on the keeper saw the snow leopards goal disallowed.

Neroca FC who mostly attacked on the counter were unable to create a lot of chances thanks to some good defending by Real Kashmir FC. Neroca’s attacks soon yielded results when Subash Singh drew first blood for the hosts in the 18th minute through a pass from Chencho.

Real Kashmir now trailing by a goal started pressing harder but were unable to breach past the Neroca defence. Both the teams were defending well but Real Kashmir kept pressing hard and soon found their equalizer when an accurate pass from Surchandra Singh saw Danish Farooq make no mistake in finding the back of the net in the 29th minute.

The game thereafter was a mix of attacks from both Neroca FC and Real Kashmir FC with the visitors attacking more prominently but either team could not find the lead, as they would have wanted. The first half came to a close with both Neroca FC and Real Kashmir FC tied at 1-1.

At the Khuman Lampak Stadium, it were Real Kashmir who took the attacking lead at the start of the second half. Their pressure soon yielded results as Real Kashmir FC took a 2-1 lead in the 48th minute through Danish Farooq who scored his second goal of the game.

Neroca FC, trailing by a goal, now shifted gears and started pressing hard but lack of luck for them and great defending by Real Kashmir FC eluded them from finding the equalizer.

Real Kashmir FC scored their third goal in 57th minute when Bazie Armand headed it in giving the visitors comfortable 3-1 lead. Neroca FC, thereafter, pressed really hard but couldn’t create many opportunities to their favour. Their only consolation was their second goal which happened to come in the added time (90’ + 4’) through Felix Chidi, finally losing the game to Real Kashmir FC 2-3.

With this loss, Neroca FC finish their campaign in the sixth place with 26 points while Real Kashmir FC propel to the third position with 36 points on their debut season.

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Two games beginning simultaneously at two venues at 2 PM IST – one at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak stadium between local side Neroca FC and debutants Real Kashmir FC, and the other at Aizawl’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium between hosts Aizawl FC and Goan giants Churchill Brothers FC might see the league’s third place decided at the end of 90 minutes.

The larger battle across the two games is really between Churchill Brothers and Real Kashmir. The Goans are placed third currently with 34 points and will be ending their league campaign on Saturday.

Kashmir are a point behind in fourth, but with a re-scheduled game in hand against Minerva, will know that if they win on Saturday and Churchill do not, the third spot is secure and that would still qualify as a stupendous effort on debut.

It will certainly not be easy for the David Robertson-coached ‘Snow Leopards’, given Neroca are a proud team and are very strong at home, where they have lost only once in this campaign to Quess East Bengal, that too in their very first game over four months back.

Even in the first round clash at the TRC ground in Srinagar, Neroca ran out 2-0 winners over Kashmir, courtesy a brace by their premiere Nigerian striker Felix Chidi, who has found the back of the net seven times this season.

Kashmir have not won in three games, have been criss-crossing the country over the past 10 days and given the strength of their opponents, are in for a lot of hard work to cement third-spot on Saturday.

Churchill, on the other hand, will feel more confident if they can jog their memories back to the first-leg fixture between the two sides at the Tilak Maidan in Goa, where a rampant home side had overwhelmed Aizawl 4-1.

Under new coach Stanley Rozario however, Aizawl are a transformed and inspired side. They have picked up three wins in the last four matches and with the added incentive of finishing a spot above their current eighth position following a good result on Saturday, will be dangerous at home.

Churchill will bank heavily on the league’s joint top scorer Willis Plaza. The Trinidadian has had a phenomenal season and his 20 goals have been a masterclass in clinical finishing after a tough season last time around.

Both coaches Rozario and Churchill’s Romanian coach Petra Gigiu did not ooze confidence at the pre-match presser. While Gigiu was concerned about his players being tired after a gruelling season, the Aizawl coach had concerns on injuries and suspension. Both, however, promised a strong showing.

What will also please the Aizawl coach in particular, is the fact that in their previous two back-to-back wins, the team has scored seven goals and finally looked like gelling together as a team. Certainly, Saturday promises an exciting day of Hero I-League football.

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Esqueda was out of action after suffering a broken rib following a 3-1 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in December 2018. But the way the Mexican forward scored the first goal against Real Kashmir FC in a 2-1 win on February 28, 2019, indicated the prolific form that he has been in recently.

The Mexican did return and with astounding stats – 78% pass accuracy, 0.8 goal average and 0.2 assist average to help the Red and Golds in their quest. That coupled with 8 goals and 2 assists to his name in the Hero I-League has only added to his pedigree as a player. And resoundingly, Esqueda has been involved in 38% of the attacking play that resulted in a goal for East Bengal.

55% dribble accuracy this season perhaps is of little help to Enrique’s goal – the Hero I-League. As it stands, Chennai City FC lead the table with 40 points and a win for Chennai City FC will hand them the title regardless of East Bengal’s result against Gokulam Kerala FC. However, a draw or a loss for Chennai City FC and a win for the Red and Gold will lead them to the tile. Esqueda would certainly hope for the latter.

Ahead of their match against Gokulam Kerala FC, Alejandro Menedez, Head Coach of East Bengal, was asked about Esqueda’s importance to the team. He said, “He has been an important figure in our setup. However, it is also important to note that one player is important.”

“I am really happy that our foreigners are in good form and contributing to the team’s cause,” he added.

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Considering the nature of the matter, and in the interest of time it was decided that it would not be possible to convene an Emergency Committee meeting at short notice, and therefore, it would be appropriate that the decision be passed by way of circulation.

The Committee has deliberated on the recommendation of the League Committee, and the provisions of the Hero I-League Regulations 2018-19, and also taken note of the situation prevailing in Kashmir since February 14, 2019.

The Committee firmly believes that football is apolitical and must continue to be a humane expression of conciliation and solidarity with everybody affected by terrorism. The best way to do that is by playing, albeit in a safe and secure environment, allowing the players to express themselves best.

With the current situation in Kashmir not conducive to conduct a match, and keeping in mind the current extraordinary situation as well as the desire of teams to play football on the field, the match stands rescheduled to be held after March 6, 2019, at a time and location feasible for AIFF, and the participating teams.

AIFF MEDIA

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Enrique Esqueda was adjudged the Hero of the Match, after he put the Red and Golds ahead early in the first half, before setting up his Spanish teammate Jamie Santos Colado for the second, as the Kolkata Giants ran away with a win.

This result takes QEB to 36 points from 18 games, just four behind league leaders Chennai City FC, who have played the same number of matches. As it currently stands, East Bengal need to win their remaining two matches and hope that Chennai do not pick up more than a point from their last two games.

For Chennai, however, the equation is simple. A point each from their last two games would see them lift the title at the end of the season by virtue of a better head-to-head record against the side from Kolkata.

The Red and Golds got off to a swift start, keeping large bouts of possession in the opening exchanges. Their efforts paid dividends in the 20th minute itself, when Danmawia curled in a cross at the Kashmir far post from a Lalram Chullova through ball, for Mexican forward Enrique Esqueda to nod home.

Real Kashmir could not find their footing in the game at this stage and resorted to route-one football hoping that their Scottish forward Mason Robertson would hold up the ball and distribute it to the rest.

However, they soon received a massive blow to their endeavors, when Kofi Tetteh was sent off for dissent after he was already shown a yellow card for a foul on QEB defender Johnny Acosta.

That gave QEB the momentum for the rest of the half, and they managed to double their lead minutes before the referee blew his whistle for the half-time breather.

QEB’s Spanish playmaker Jamie Santos Colado played Esqueda through inside the Kashmir area before the latter crossed it back to the Spaniard, who volleyed it home with great aplomb.

Despite being down to 10 men, Kashmir came out with a lot of initiative in the second half. However, it was East Bengal, who had the clearer chance on the hour mark, when Danmawia made a decoy run off a Colado ball, to find himself one-on-one with Real Kashmir keeper Bilal Khan. However, the Danmawia’s shot was parried away by the custodian.

Minutes later, the Snow Leopards got the perfect chance to get back in the game when QEB goalkeeper Rakshit Daggar brought Bazzie Armand down inside his own area. The referee had no choice but to point to the spot, and Aaron Katebe made no mistake as he slotted it home from the spot.

Real Kashmir gaffer David Robertson brought on striker Gnohere Krizo in the last 10 minutes, hoping to draw level with a two-pronged attack. However, QEB managed to hold on to their slender lead, bringing the Snow Leopards’ Hero I-League title hopes to an end.

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Although both the teams have recently fallen behind leaders Chennai City FC in the title race, all options are still open to both teams if they win all their last three games, and if Chennai drop points.

The match, which will be the first for this edition of the country’s top flight football league to be played in the National Capital, will kick off at 2 pm IST.

The decision to host the game in Delhi was taken at the AIFF League Committee Meeting at Football House in Delhi on Monday, February 25, after Real Kashmir informed in writing that they wanted to play their tie against East Bengal on February 28 at a neutral venue.

Both teams are coming off a draw in their respective previous games and need to up their game significantly, given the important nature of the clash.

The ‘home team’ Real Kashmir now have 33 points from 17 games and maintained their unbeaten record on the road as they stole a crucial point against Indian Arrows following the 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar three days back.

Visitors QEB are placed second from the same number of games and with the same number of points as Real Kashmir (33) but are ahead on goal difference.

David Robertson, the Real Kashmir coach, has been very effective and has strategically used his players, seeking creative solutions. Striker Krizo and the likes of Kofi Tetteh and Mason Robertson have proved effective. Robertson, who started off in deep defence, has shown a keen eye for goal and scored four goals so far.

With a different ambiance in Delhi, Kashmir might be able to affect the confidence of QEB players, compounded with the fact that they are one of the best defensive sides in the tournament.

Real Kashmir coach, David Robertson said, ” We are in a good momentum, getting the results, playing well. Both the teams want to play and win. Fantastic journey, unbeaten away from home, we are happy. No better way to keep the benchmark by playing against East Bengal, particularly at JLN Stadium.”

In the process, the two sides go back to where it all began for them in this season’s league campaign. In the first game between the two, both teams played out a draw.

On the other hand, the ‘visiting’ side under Spanish coach Alejandro Garcia has played some good percentage, professional football, with each player executing his given role to the best of his ability. The coach has displayed sound tactical knowledge and seems to be getting the best out of his squad of players.

East Bengal head coach Alejandro said, “When you play again in a short span of time less than 72 hours, it is not enough to get high quality from our players, but we are fully motivated and almost recovered from the last match and ready to play tomorrow.”

QEB have slipped in the league title race of late, following back-to-back stalemates at home, and would also miss the league’s most prolific Indian striker Jobby Justin for Thursday’s game.

Enrique Esqueda, the Mexican striker, is in good form, however, and QEB will depend a lot on him on Thursday.

The match is as good as a semi-final clash as it could decide whether Quess East Bengal will ensure title contention or Real Kashmir would once again look to topple Chennai City FC on the points table.

Also Read: ISL title will make consistent Goa complete

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