Real Kashmir edge past Ozone
Real Kasmir FC beat Ozone FC of Bengaluru 3- 2 to open their final round campaign in the Hero 2nd Division League at the FSV Arena in Bengaluru on Thursday.
With the win, Real Kashmir topped the standings after round 1 but were made to sweat for victory by Ozone who led twice courtesy Robert de Souza ( 26’) and Sabeeth Sathyan ( 67’).
The Kashmir outfit, however, kept their composure and scored though Nadong Bhuita ( 39’), Ritwik Kumar Das ( 89’) and Yao Kouassi Bernard ( 90+ 5’) to bag full points.
Ozone began with good pace and high energy levels, aggressively pressing from the front while Real Kashmir preferred to remain compact.
The Real Kashmir defenders were not allowed a lot of time on the ball and were therefore forced to hoof it up field in the hoping that Bernard would be able to compete.
With Ozone gaining momentum, Robert found some space inside the Real Kashmir box and when he was about to pull the trigger goalkeeper Sukhwinder Singh fouled him. The Brazilian dully converted the resultant penalty for the lead.
Kashmir, against the run of play, equalised when Nadong slotted from Ifham Tariq Mir’s pass in the 39th minute to level matters before half- time.
Real Kashmir started the secondhalf much like they ended the first, as they enjoyed prolong periods inside the Ozone half. Still, Ozone restored their lead through Sabeeth who slotted home following a goal- mouth scramble in the 67th minute.
Kashmir continued pressing for a equaliser in the final quarter and found it through Ritwik Kumar Das in the 89th minute before Bernard slotted home the winner in stoppage time.
Real Kashmir play TRAU FC next on Sunday before Ozone FC and Hindustan FC face off.