Real Kashmir scripted another chapter in their illustrious history by beating Sreenidi Deccan FC 2-1 to lift the IFA Shield title for a second year in a row.
The final match of 124th IFA Shield football tournament 2021 was played at East Bengal Ground, Kolkata and saw the ‘Snow Leopards’ emerge as victorious after a closely fought contest.
The first half was dominated by the I-League debutants from Vizag with their superior tactical and technical display, with a 30th-minute strike by their Colombian centre-forward David Castaneda Munoz putting them ahead.
Real Kashmir FC in the second half of play despite stepping up could not convert their chances as Thoi Singh missed two sitters in front of the goal.
In the 66th minute, Thoi squandered a fine opportunity when he was set up brilliantly by a Mason throw-in but Thoi’s shot hit the upright.
RKFC taking the advantage of inexperience of Vizag debutants made a dramatic turnaround riding through their dependable Spaniard and Scottish duo of Fran Gonzalez and Mason Lee Robertson who scored one goal each to help their side emerge victorious.
First it was Sanchez who brought up the equalizer in the stoppage time to take the match into the extra time.
Mason seized on an excellently connected center from Pratesh Shirodkar and towered above his rival defender for a winning header right in the 100th minute of play.The Deccan FC gave it their all by bringing in their goalkeeper CK Ubaid into the attack in the dying minutes of extra-time but Real Kashmir held on.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Real Kashmir FC Head Coach David Robertson said that he dedicates this victory to their club owner Sandeep Chattoo and to the people of Kashmir.
“People in Kashmir are so passionate about football and I cannot wait to see our fans back in the stadium,” he said.He added it is a tremendous feeling that in such a short span of time and beating all the odds, the team from Kashmir is doing wonders in Indian football.
“By winning this title and by participating in I-League, I am sure that the little boys and girls back in Kashmir are getting inspired,” he said and added “I can see many private clubs coming into existence after the I-League was brought to Kashmir by RKFC.
The game will get more professional and with time we will have many top level players from Kashmir playing in I-League and ISL,” he said.
Real Kashmir had pulled off an identical 2-1 win over George Telegraph in the last edition of the IFA Shield title.
