Aizawl FC produced a late comeback to hold Real Kashmir FC to a 2–2 draw in a dramatic Indian Football League (IFL) 2025–26 clash at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Friday.
Goals from Zomuansanga and Lalhriatpuia ensured the hosts responded twice to Real Kashmir’s leads, denying the visitors a crucial away victory. Real Kashmir had taken the lead through Shedrack Charles in the first half and Ahteeb Ahmad Dar in the second, but Aizawl’s resilience saw them secure a valuable point in front of their home supporters.
The result sees Aizawl FC move to the top of the standings with five points, while Real Kashmir remain ninth with two points after sharing the spoils.
High-Tempo Start from Both Sides
The contest began with both teams displaying attacking intent, moving the ball quickly and looking to create early opportunities. Real Kashmir head coach Ishfaq Ahmed made four changes to the side that played in the previous fixture. Furkan Ahmad Dar started in goal, while Ahteeb Ahmad Dar, Basit Ahmed Bhat and Mashoor Shereef were also introduced into the starting lineup.
Aizawl FC head coach R. Lalruatfela, meanwhile, opted for continuity, fielding the same starting XI that featured in their opening fixture. The visitors struck first in the 14th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse from the hosts.
Aizawl captain and goalkeeper Vanlal Hriatpuia failed to deal cleanly with a ball inside the area, allowing Shedrack Charles to pounce. The Real Kashmir forward reacted quickly and finished from close range to give the visitors an early 1–0 lead.
Following the setback, Aizawl gradually began to find their rhythm. The hosts enjoyed more possession in midfield and started pushing Real Kashmir deeper into their own half. Their attacking pressure eventually yielded a breakthrough just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Aizawl were awarded a penalty after Real Kashmir defender Mashoor Shereef committed a foul inside the box.
Midfielder Zomuansanga stepped up confidently and converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score at 1–1. The equaliser lifted the energy inside the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, with the home side pushing forward in search of another goal.
However, Real Kashmir nearly regained the lead moments before the break. Shedrack Charles broke through on goal but was denied by an excellent one-on-one save from Vanlal Hriatpuia, ensuring the sides went into halftime level.
Kashmir Regain the Advantage
The second half resumed with both teams continuing to battle intensely in midfield. Real Kashmir attempted to control possession and build attacks patiently, while Aizawl relied on quick transitions and wide play to create chances.
After several probing moves from both sides, the visitors found the breakthrough in the 75th minute. A well-delivered cross into the penalty area found Ahteeb Ahmad Dar, who timed his leap perfectly and powered a header into the top corner, restoring Real Kashmir’s lead at 2–1.
The goal appeared to place the visitors in a strong position as the match entered its final stages.
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Despite trailing late in the match, Aizawl FC refused to give up. Encouraged by their home crowd, the hosts pushed more players forward and continued to search for an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in stoppage time. In the first minute of added time, right-back Lalrempuia delivered a precise cross into the box. Defender Lalhriatpuia rose above the Real Kashmir defence and guided a powerful header into the net to make it 2–2. The dramatic late goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters and ensured Aizawl salvaged a crucial point.
A Valuable Point for Both Teams
The draw extended Aizawl FC’s unbeaten start to the campaign and temporarily moved them to the top of the league table. For Real Kashmir, the result will feel like two points dropped after leading twice during the match.
However, head coach Ishfaq Ahmed’s side showed resilience and attacking quality throughout the contest, particularly through the performances of Shedrack Charles and Ahteeb Ahmad Dar, who both found the net. Aizawl, meanwhile, will take confidence from their fighting spirit and ability to respond under pressure.
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The encounter reflected the competitive nature of the 2025–26 Indian Football League season, where narrow margins and late goals continue to shape the standings. With several teams closely packed in the early stages of the campaign, every point carries significant importance.
For Aizawl FC, the late equaliser ensured they maintained momentum and kept their strong start intact. For Real Kashmir, the draw highlighted both their attacking threat and the need to manage games better in the closing minutes.
As the season progresses, both sides will look to build on this performance in what promises to be an intensely competitive IFL campaign.
