Real Kashmir target first IFL win against Sreenidi Deccan in Srinagar

The Snow Leopards look to recover from an opening-day defeat as Antonio Rueda’s Sreenidi arrive with three points and a clean sheet. Marcus Joseph will be central to the hosts’ hopes of turning home advantage into a positive result.

Real Kashmir FC will look to put their opening-day disappointment behind them when they host Sreenidi Deccan FC in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026–27 at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Saturday. The Snow Leopards suffered a 3-1 defeat against debutants Nagaland United SC in their first match, while Sreenidi arrive with confidence after beginning their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Rajasthan United.

Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST, with Real Kashmir keen to secure their first points of the season in front of their home supporters. For head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, the immediate priority will be improving the team's defensive organisation and ensuring they do not allow Sreenidi to dictate the contest.

Real Kashmir endured a difficult start to their campaign against Nagaland United on October 30. The hosts conceded twice inside the opening 21 minutes, with JH Remlala scoring in the third minute after a long throw and Vanlalhriatzuala K doubling the advantage.

The early setbacks left the Snow Leopards chasing the game, although they gradually found their footing and created opportunities. Thabiso Nelson Brown headed over, while Marcus Joseph came close with an effort from a corner.

Real Kashmir reduced the deficit in the 59th minute when Nagaland captain Rohmingthanga inadvertently turned Lalvenhima's cross into his own net. However, Vanlalhriatzuala scored again in the 74th minute to complete the 3-1 victory for the visitors.

The result exposed the cost of a slow start, despite Real Kashmir showing greater attacking intent as the match progressed. Their set-piece deliveries also offered a route into the contest, something they could look to exploit against Sreenidi. Ishfaq Ahmed believes defensive discipline will be essential against an experienced opponent.

“Sreenidi Deccan have a new coach who knows Indian football well, and they have recruited a very experienced set of players. They are the kind of team that will punish you if you give them a chance, and they are dangerous on set pieces," he said.

The Real Kashmir coach wants his players to remain organised, follow the game plan and avoid unnecessary risks. He has also called on supporters to turn out in numbers at the TRC Stadium as the team looks to get its campaign back on track.

Marcus Joseph leads the attacking challenge.

One of Real Kashmir's significant additions ahead of the new season is Trinidad and Tobago forward Marcus Joseph, who has taken over the captaincy from Mohammad Inam. Joseph arrives with a proven scoring record in Indian football. He won the IFL Golden Boot last season with nine goals for Dempo SC and had previously finished as the I-League's leading scorer with Mohammedan SC in 2021–22.

His presence gives Real Kashmir an experienced attacking reference point, particularly in a match where the hosts may need to be patient against a side comfortable retaining possession.

The club also made 13 new signings over the summer, including Susnata Malick and Mohit Mittal from champions Diamond Harbour FC. The challenge for Ishfaq will be to bring the new additions together quickly and establish the defensive consistency required over a long campaign.

Joseph said the team had spent the week working on its compactness and tactical organisation. “We have been preparing all week, and the coach has worked with us on staying compact and executing our tactical plan. Getting these three points tomorrow is very important for us to kick-start our campaign in what is a long season,” he said.

Sreenidi Deccan began the season with a 1-0 win over Rajasthan United in Jaipur. Nishu Kumar scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute, finishing into the far corner after a move involving Lalromawia, Adriano Castanheira and captain David Castañeda.

The victory was built on a disciplined defensive performance. Pritam Kotal and Hadi Idrissou anchored the backline, while Pronay Halder provided protection in front of them. Sreenidi controlled much of the first half and prevented Rajasthan from finding a way through.

There were, however, opportunities they could have converted. Castañeda struck the crossbar before half-time, while Jerry Mawihmingthanga fired over from a promising position. Head coach Antonio Rueda will expect greater efficiency in front of goal as his team travels to Srinagar.

Rueda anticipates a determined response from Real Kashmir after their opening defeat.

“Because they lost their opening match, I expect them to play with even greater concentration and high intensity for 90 minutes, winning second balls and looking for goals from the very first minute. Real Kashmir is always a tough opponent at home,” he said.

Sreenidi travels with a fully fit 21-man squad. Winger Brandon Vanlalremdika believes the opening victory has strengthened the dressing-room atmosphere and is confident the team can adapt to the conditions in Srinagar.

Real Kashmir will remember their last home meeting with Sreenidi Deccan fondly. On April 19 last season, despite having less possession, the Snow Leopards secured a 2-0 victory at the TRC Stadium. Ahteeb Ahmad Dar opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, while Oinam Sanatomba Singh added a second in stoppage time. Marius Obekop provided the assists for both goals.

However, Ishfaq and Joseph have both cautioned against placing too much importance on that result, recognising that the new season brings different challenges. Saturday's contest will test whether Real Kashmir can translate their home advantage into a more disciplined performance, while Sreenidi will aim to build on their winning start. For the Snow Leopards, a sharper defensive display and greater effectiveness in the final third could be crucial to securing their first points of the campaign.