Dempo under pressure in hunt for first win Panaji: Dempo Sports Club are struggling to secure their first victory in the Indian Football League (IFL), a result that could lift them out of the relegation zone. After four matches, the team is ninth in the standings, just above bottom-placed Real Kashmir FC. Both sides have yet to register a win, and Dempo’s five-time former champions are eager to end their winless streak when they face Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Coach Samir Naik emphasized the team’s determination to maintain a winning mindset despite recent setbacks. “Our approach will be similar to previous games, we will carry a winning mentality,” Naik said during a pre-match media interaction. However, Dempo’s recent defeat against Gokulam Kerala has left the squad frustrated. Naik acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic about the upcoming match. “Things have not gone our way. Hopefully, we will get something good out of this game, something positive. Maybe the three points will be good to put us back on track,” he added. Defender Mohamed Ali highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the team’s defensive issues. “Defending is not just about the backline; it’s a team effort. Small mistakes have cost us, and we are working together to correct them,” Ali explained. Sreenidi Deccan, currently among the league’s frontrunners, enter the match after a 1-1 draw against Namdhari FC. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the team struggled to convert opportunities until the 79th minute, when Hadi Idrissou scored the equalizer following a deflected corner. Head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto acknowledged the need for improved efficiency in front of goal. “We have analysed our previous match thoroughly.#real_kashmir_fc #sreenidi_deccan_fc #dempo_sports_club #samir_nai #ajay_chhetri
Real Kashmir FC Seek First Win; Sreenidi Deccan Aim for Top Spot Real Kashmir FC will attempt to secure their first victory of the IFL 2025-26 season when they host Namdhari FC in the opening match of a double-header day at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday. The Snow Leopards, currently at the bottom of the standings, have struggled to convert strong performances into results, earning just two points from their first four matches. Their latest defeat, a 0-1 loss to Rajasthan United FC, underscored their difficulties in translating form into wins. The team faces additional challenges, including the absence of key players Habib Fofana and Calvin Baretto, both suspended after receiving red cards in their previous match. Assistant coach Masood acknowledged the team’s lack of preparation time and the impact of away fixtures, but remains optimistic about the home advantage. “We have a strong history at home, and it is never easy for visiting teams to come here. The players are focused, and we will look to make the most of the home crowd and conditions,” Masood said. Midfielder Shahid Nazir emphasized the importance of the fixture, noting the squad’s excitement after returning to Srinagar after a month. “We know how important this game is, and we will try our best to execute our plans and take all three points,” he added. Namdhari FC, meanwhile, arrive in Srinagar with growing confidence. The Punjab-based side has shown resilience in away matches, earning multiple draws and demonstrating defensive discipline. Their recent 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC highlighted their ability to absorb pressure and secure valuable points. Attacker Manvir Singh’s long-range strike in that match showcased their attacking threat despite limited possession.#real_kashmir_fc #namdhari_fc #sreenidi_deccan_fc #dempo_sc #trc_stadium
Real Kashmir FC focuses on youth, long-term growth: Arshad Shawl As Real Kashmir FC prepares for its season opener against Namdhari FC, promoter Arshad Shawl highlighted the club’s dual focus on competitive success and fostering football development in Jammu & Kashmir. Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Shawl emphasized that the team has grown into a resilient and disciplined force in the league, known for its unity and consistent performances. He noted that the club’s progress extends beyond the field, reflecting a sustained effort to build a sustainable football culture in the region. Shawl underscored the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent through structured grassroots programs and investments in youth development. He argued that football has the potential to transform young lives by offering meaningful opportunities for growth. The club’s initiatives aim to create pathways for aspiring players across Jammu & Kashmir, reinforcing its role in strengthening the region’s sporting ecosystem. Beyond immediate competition, Real Kashmir FC’s vision includes positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a credible football hub in the country. Shawl described the club’s mission as broader than on-field achievements, focusing instead on inspiring youth and contributing to the region’s sporting landscape. As the team enters the new season, he reiterated that the club’s priorities remain performance, development, and fulfilling the aspirations of the local community.#real_kashmir_fc #jammu_kashmir #arshad_shawl #greater_kashmir #grassroots_programs
IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan United face Namdhari SA, Aizawl FC up against Real Kashmir in double-header Rajasthan United will host Namdhari Sports Academy in their first home match of the IFL 2025-26 season, while Aizawl FC will take on Real Kashmir FC in a double-header on Friday. The matches, scheduled for 16:00 IST and 18:30 IST respectively, mark key fixtures for both teams as they aim to strengthen their positions in the league. Rajasthan United, based in Jaipur, will play at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium, seeking to recover from a 1-3 away loss to Aizawl FC in their previous encounter. Assistant coach Vikas Rawat emphasized the importance of the game, stating the team is focused on securing three points to regain momentum. The hosts will rely on midfielder Astray’s control in midfield and the width provided by experienced players like Abhishek Ambekar. Goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri, known for his reliability, will be crucial in defending against Namdhari’s attacking threats. Namdhari SA, under head coach Harpreet Singh, aims to secure their first win of the season after two draws in their opening fixtures. The Punjab-based team, which drew 1-1 with Gokulam Kerala in Manjeri, will look to capitalize on their resilience and physicality. Forward Seilenthang Lotjem highlighted the team’s progress, noting their preparation for the challenge. Namdhari’s strategy will focus on absorbing pressure and exploiting counterattacks, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak. The historical rivalry between Rajasthan United and Namdhari SA has seen the hosts claim two of the last four encounters, including a 2-1 victory at the same venue. Both teams are expected to bring intensity to the match, with the outcome likely hinging on tactical execution and defensive discipline.#vidhyadhar_nagar_stadium #rajasthan_united #namdhari_sa #aizawl_fc #real_kashmir_fc
