I-League 2018: Real Kashmir beats Indian Arrows for maiden home win

Goals from Surchandra Singh and Bazie Armand give Real Kashmir 2-0 win over Indian Arrows on Sunday in the I-League.

Real Kashmir players celebrate a goal. Real Kashmir beat Indian Arrows for its maiden victory at home in the I-League.

A super strike from Surchandra Singh and a well-judged header from Bazie Armand earned Real Kashmir FC a 2-0 win against Indian Arrows, its maiden victory at home in the I-League, on Sunday. 

Armand was adjudged the Hero of the Match, having scored a goal and played a commanding midfield role for the host. With this win, Real Kashmir FC jumped up five spots to be placed at the 4th position with 7 points from five games.

The home side, fondly known as the ‘Snow Leopards’, started the game on an attacking note, making an attempt as early as the first minute.

Coach David Robertson started with one change bringing in Surchandra Singh instead of the regular Danish Farooq, while Floyd Pinto of the Indian Arrows started with three changes in the squad: Rahim Ali, Khumanthem Ninthoigamba and Vikram Pratap Singh.

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Real Kashmir FC, which was winless at home, often played long balls, taking advantage of their heights as against the visitor, a young squad comprising players from the development side of Indian football.

Real Kashmir FC made the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Surchandra Singh made no mistake in finding the back of the net from a brilliant cross from Mason Lee Robertson. This was Real Kashmir FC's first goal at home, and was fans greeted the opener with resounding cheers. 

The Arrows had higher possession in the first first half, but could not shake the Real Kashmir defence.

The visitor started the second half on an attacking note, but failed to convert.  Real Kashmir FC made its first change early in the second half, bringing in the experienced Danish Farooq in place of Nagen Tamang in the 56th minute.

Real Kashmir picked up the tempo and scored its second goal in the 68th minute, when Cote D’ivorian Armand Bazie headed in Danish Farooq lofted ball following a corner.  

The host came really close to adding a third to the scoreline, but Ravanan Dharmaraj could not cash in. Indian Arrows enjoyed bulk of the possession but its inability to finish cost them the match.