Rohen Singh's thunderbolt seals victory for Real Kashmir in Durand Cup Thriller
The game sprang to life midway through the first half with two goals in as many minutes. Real Kashmir struck first in the 24th minute when a lofted ball from Rohen found Russian striker Marat Tareck, who calmly slotted home. But TRAU hit back immediately through Afridi Buyamayum, who buried Monis Singh's pinpoint cross to level the scores.
TRAU looked lively on the wings, with Monis and Dhananjoy Singh combining well, but couldn't break through a disciplined Real Kashmir backline marshalled by Seila Toure and captain Shahid Nazir.
The decisive moment came in the 64th minute. After sustained pressure, Ivorian forward William Sessegnon laid it off for Rohen Singh, who unleashed a ferocious strike from outside the box to reclaim the lead for the Snow Leopards.
Real Kashmir nearly added a third a minute later when substitute Ahteeb Ahmad went close, but his dinked effort rolled just wide. TRAU's task grew harder in the 77th minute when captain Shitaljit Atom received a second yellow, reducing them to ten men. Despite late pressure, the hosts couldn't find a way through.
Real Kashmir, led by Ishfaq Ahmed, claimed a valuable three points to stay in the hunt for qualification, while TRAU were left to reflect on missed chances and a costly red card.
Real Kashmir next face NEROCA FC on August 10, while TRAU FC will look to regroup before their upcoming fixture against Indian Navy FT, two days later, on August 12.
UNI NS BM
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