Real Kashmir Open Up I-League Title Race, Play RUFC Today

NEW DELHI: Nothing is ever certain in the I-League. After the first half of the season, if anyone thought Mohammedan Sporting were going to be running away with the title, they were proved wrong last Sunday, with Real Kashmir dealing the Black and White Brigade their first loss of the campaign.

A shocking loss in many senses. A team that hadn't conceded more than once in an entire match so far, let in three unanswered goals in 45 minutes. That too, against a team like Real Kashmir, who had lost their previous two away games to bottom-half teams Delhi FC and Namdhari FC.

The Snow Leopards scintillatingly found form in the toughest away trip of the season to throw open the title race. Sreenidi Deccan also scored a last-gasp winner against Churchill Brothers in Vasco da Gama, cutting Mohammedan's lead at the top to four points.

Round 13 of the I-League might have been depleted with three fixtures being postponed, but these two big results proved more than enough to make up for any missed drama. Things are about to heat up even more with non-stop action for the next 11 straight days.

Round 14 kicks off with Real Kashmir travelling to Sri Bhaini Sahib to face Rajasthan United FC on Friday. It will be important for the Snow Leopards to not get carried away with the big win and build consistency on the road.

Rajasthan United have shifted base once again this season, playing out of the Namdhari Stadium now, which means it will be Real Kashmir's third visit to Punjab. They will hope to make it third time lucky after losing on both occasions previously without scoring a single goal.

Later on Friday at 7 pm, Inter Kashi will host Gokulam Kerala FC in their newfound home, the Kalyani Stadium. (ANI)