Srinagar, Jan 14: Playing with just 10 men right from the start, Real Kashmir FC managed to hold Sreenidi Deccan FC to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling I-League encounter that featured penalties, goals, and a red card on Tuesday.
Sreenidi Deccan took the lead on two occasions in the match with goals from Faysal Shayesteh (2nd minute) and Angel Orelien (15th), while Real Kashmir responded with equalizers from Paulo Cezar (4th) and Muhammad Hammad (22nd).
Aminou Bouba, Real Kashmir’s Cameroonian signing, was sent off less than a minute into the game.
This draw leaves Real Kashmir in eighth place in the standings, accumulating 10 points from eight games.
Sreenidi Deccan is similarly positioned, also with 10 points from the same number of matches, but they find themselves in ninth due to a poorer goal difference.
The match started intensely as Bouba was shown a red card for a foul in the penalty area, which allowed Shayesteh to convert a penalty in the second minute and give Sreenidi Deccan an early lead.
In a surprising move, the 10-man Real Kashmir team did not fall back but quickly responded. A cleverly executed short corner in the fourth minute allowed Lalramsanga to find Cezar, who headed the ball in to equalize.
Unfazed by this setback, Sreenidi Deccan quickly regained the upper hand in the 15th minute. After a sequence of passes that pierced the Kashmir defense, Orelien found space to unleash a powerful shot that found its mark, showcasing the attacking strength of the Deccan Warriors.
Real Kashmir displayed their resilience once more, equalizing again in the 22nd minute.
Following a well-placed free-kick from Lalramsanga, the Sreenidi Deccan goalkeeper could only manage a partial clearance, allowing Hammad to seize the opportunity and score, leveling the match.
As the game continued, both teams had chances to secure a win. Sreenidi Deccan, buoyed by their recent comeback triumph against Aizawl FC, pushed forward energetically.
Vanlalremdika struck the post, and a header from Munoz was superbly saved by the Real Kashmir goalkeeper, who also thwarted Orelien’s long-range shot that hit the crossbar.
Even while a player down for most of the match, Real Kashmir’s defense proved to be tough, successfully fending off Sreenidi Deccan’s late attempts to ensure the match ended in a draw.
