Nagaland United Script Historic IFL Debut with Convincing 3-1 Victory Over Real Kashmir

Nagaland United SC announced their arrival in the Indian Football League (IFL) in emphatic fashion, defeating Real Kashmir FC 3-1 in their opening fixture of the 2026-27 season at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Friday. 

The debutants produced an impressive all-round performance, combining attacking efficiency with defensive resilience to register their maiden victory and claim their first-ever points in the competition.

JH Remlala opened the scoring in the third minute before Vanlalhriatzuala K doubled Nagaland United's advantage in the 21st minute. Real Kashmir briefly threatened a comeback when Nagaland United captain Rohmingthanga scored an own goal in the 59th minute, but Vanlalhriatzuala struck again in the 74th minute to restore the two-goal cushion and seal a memorable result.

Vanlalhriatzuala was subsequently named Man of the Match for his influential performance, which included two goals and several important attacking contributions.

Head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla handed opportunities to five under-22 players in his starting XI, signalling the club's willingness to trust young talent in its first IFL campaign. C Zomuanpuia, Laldanmawia and Stephen Lalrinfela featured in defence, while Laltnanzova and JH Remlala were included in midfield and attack respectively.

Real Kashmir coach Ishfaq Ahmed opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper James Kirthan starting between the posts. The hosts also included two under-22 players, forward Khullakpam Zahir Khan and defender Amzard Khan.

However, the debutants needed just three minutes to disrupt Real Kashmir's plans.

A long throw-in from the left by Stephen Lalrinfela created confusion inside the home team's penalty area. Although Remlala's initial attempt was blocked, the midfielder recovered possession and found enough space to unleash a close-range finish into the roof of the net.

The early goal gave Nagaland United confidence, and they continued to threaten through quick transitions. Real Kashmir gradually settled into the contest and enjoyed greater possession, but the visitors remained organised and disciplined.

Vanlalhriatzuala doubles the advantage

Nagaland United's positive approach produced a second goal in the 21st minute through an impressive five-pass attacking move.

Vincent Lalduhawma controlled an aerial ball with his chest before combining with Zomuansanga. The move eventually created space on the right for Vanlalhriatzuala, who produced a superb right-footed finish into the far corner to make it 2-0.

Real Kashmir attempted to respond immediately. Oinam Sanatomba Singh delivered a dangerous cross in the 24th minute, but Thabiso Nelson Brown was unable to direct his header on target.

The Snow Leopards continued to search for openings, with Marcus Leric Jr Joseph and Joseph Lalvenhima attempting to create opportunities in the final third. However, Nagaland United's defensive organisation made it difficult for the hosts to find a breakthrough.

The visitors' goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia also played an important role towards the end of the first half. He produced two significant saves in stoppage time, first denying Brown's acrobatic effort before keeping out a powerful long-range attempt from Lalvenhima. Nagaland United went into the interval with a deserved 2-0 advantage.

Real Kashmir returned for the second half with greater urgency, determined to reduce the deficit and bring themselves back into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute, although the goal came through an unfortunate incident for the visitors. Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and Nagaland United captain Rohmingthanga inadvertently directed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear the danger.

The own goal reduced the deficit to 2-1 and gave the hosts renewed belief. Real Kashmir began pushing forward with greater intent, while Nagaland United were forced to defend deeper for spells. However, the debutants continued to look dangerous whenever they recovered possession.

Their response came in the 74th minute, with Vanlalhriatzuala once again making the difference.

Zomuansanga produced an excellent through ball from the right to release the forward. Vanlalhriatzuala showed composure to beat the advancing goalkeeper before cutting the ball back and finishing into an unguarded net. His second goal of the evening restored Nagaland United's two-goal advantage and put the visitors firmly in control at 3-1.

The final stages saw Nagaland United manage the game intelligently while continuing to look for opportunities to extend their lead. Laldanmawia came close to scoring a fourth in the 83rd minute with a powerful effort that forced James Kirthan into an excellent save.

Real Kashmir attempted to mount a late response, but the visitors' defensive unit remained alert. Eric Chhangte produced an important sliding interception in the 88th minute, while Brown's late header from a corner went wide. Mohit Mittal also attempted a long-range effort in stoppage time, but it failed to find the target.

When the final whistle arrived, Nagaland United had secured a comprehensive 3-1 victory in their first-ever IFL appearance.

The result represents an important milestone for Nagaland United SC, who have made an immediate impression in their debut season.

Ambapardiwalla's decision to include five under-22 players in the starting XI was rewarded with an energetic performance, while the attacking combination of Remlala, Lalduhawma, Zomuansanga and Vanlalhriatzuala demonstrated considerable promise.

For Real Kashmir, the defeat will be disappointing, particularly after conceding twice in the opening 21 minutes. Despite their second-half response, they were unable to prevent the visitors from restoring their advantage.

Nagaland United, meanwhile, leave Srinagar with three points, three goals and a memorable first chapter in their Indian Football League journey. Vanlalhriatzuala's brace will attract attention, but the collective performance and composure shown by the debutants make this an encouraging start to their campaign.