- Vanlalhriatzuala strikes twice as Nagaland United stun Snow Leopards at TRC Stadium
- Visitors take control with two first-half goals
Srinagar| Oct, 30: Real Kashmir FC’s return to the Indian Football League began on a disappointing note as debutants Nagaland United SC announced their arrival in style, handing the home side a 3-1 defeat in the season opener at the TRC Stadium here on Friday.
For a side making its first appearance in the league, Nagaland United showed little sign of debutant nerves. They struck twice inside the opening 21 minutes, absorbed Real Kashmir’s second-half fightback and then delivered the decisive blow to walk away with all three points.
The difference was clinical finishing. While Real Kashmir struggled to convert their possession into goals, the visitors made their opportunities count, with Vanlalhriatzuala K emerging as the chief tormentor, scoring twice and earning the Man of the Match award.
The warning signs appeared as early as the third minute. A long throw-in from Stephen Lalrinfela created confusion inside the Real Kashmir box. The home defence failed to clear the danger, allowing JH Remlala to recover possession and fire into the roof of the net.
Real Kashmir were still trying to find their rhythm when Nagaland United struck again in the 21st minute. A five-pass move opened up the home defence, with Vincent Lalduhawma setting up Vanlalhriatzuala on the right. The forward unleashed a superb right-footed effort into the far corner, doubling the visitors’ lead.
The two early goals put Real Kashmir on the back foot, forcing the Snow Leopards to chase the game. They had opportunities to respond, with Thabiso Nelson Brown heading over from a promising cross in the 24th minute. Attempts from Joseph and Lalvenhima also tested the visitors’ defensive organisation, but goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia stood firm.
Real Kashmir came closest towards the end of the first half, when Brown’s acrobatic effort and a powerful long-range strike from Lalvenhima were kept out by the Nagaland United goalkeeper.
The hosts returned after the break with greater urgency and gradually pushed the visitors deeper into their half. Their efforts yielded a goal in the 59th minute, although it came through an unfortunate intervention. Rohmingthanga, attempting to clear a cross delivered by Lalvenhima, inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, reducing the deficit to 1-2.
The goal briefly revived hopes of a Real Kashmir comeback, but Nagaland United refused to surrender their attacking intent.
In the 74th minute, Zomuansanga split open the home defence with a through ball that found Vanlalhriatzuala. The forward showed composure to beat the advancing goalkeeper before finishing into an unguarded net, restoring the two-goal cushion and effectively settling the contest.
Real Kashmir searched for another opening in the closing stages, but the visitors remained organised. Nagaland United even came close to extending their lead when Laldanmawia forced James Kirthan into a flying save in the 83rd minute.
The final minutes brought little relief for the home side, whose attempts to mount a late comeback were repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined visiting defence.
For Nagaland United, the result was more than an opening-day victory. It marked their maiden win and first points in the Indian Football League, providing an emphatic beginning to their debut campaign.
For Real Kashmir, however, the defeat offered an early reminder that a home advantage counts for little without defensive concentration and greater efficiency in front of goal.
