I League: Real Kashmir aims third home victory today

Srinagar, Dec 10: Confident after two consecutive victories, Real Kashmir Football Club will look to end the first leg of its I-League home matches on a winning note on Tuesday against Shillong Lagong FC.

Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC), has won three of its six matches played in Kashmir.

Shillong Lajong, on the contrary, has won only one match in the league.

Support for RKFC, popularly known as Snow Leopards, since the beginning of the league has been much higher in Kashmir, particularly after its first two wins.

Head Coach RKFC, David Robertson, said his team would focus on winning to reach a total of 13 points in the prestigious league.

“The game is very important for us, as winning it will take us to a very good position in the I-League. The games outside state are going to be difficult, so it will be better for us to leave on a winning note,” he said.

The team, expecting no change in the squad, will play newly-recruited Abednego Kofi Teteh as its striker beside Genohere Krizo to improvise conversion of chances into goals.

“There will be no changes as Kofi has been equally powerful striker. Kirzo will be at upfront while Aramand will control the midfield,” he said.

Coach Robertson said the support from spectators has boosted the morale of his players to perform even better in the coming games.

“The support has been incredible in Kashmir and people here love football. Regardless of the results, we have to focus on performing better, which surely will help us in achieving good results ahead,” he said.

Head Coach Shillong Lajong FC, Bobby Nogbel, hopes to bounce back in the league with the game against RKFC.

“It will be an entirely different experience to play in Kashmir. We hope for good football and we are equally objective to bounce back in the league. Hopefully, our winning spree starts from Kashmir,” he said.

Nogbel, however, said the match against RKFC was going to be one of their toughest matches.

“It is difficult to beat RKFC, but we will try our best to put up a good show tomorrow,” he said.

Spectators are expected to turn up in large numbers for the last match of the first session of the league, even as many RKFC fans have decided to watch a few matches outside the state.

“I am leaving to Goa after a few days on a family tour. I will surely watch RKFC play there and cheer for them,” said Muneer Ahmad a football fan from Rainawari.