Inter Kashi continued their steady climb in the Indian Super League 2025-26 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday.
Mohammed Asif’s early strike proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter, handing the hosts their second consecutive win of the season.
The result sees Inter Kashi move up to eighth in the standings with 11 points from eight matches, while Mohammedan Sporting’s struggles persist as they remain at the bottom of the table, still searching for their first point after seven outings.
Early Pressure from Mohammedan
The visitors made a strong start, showing attacking intent right from the opening whistle. Mohammedan Sporting earned a series of corners in the initial minutes, pinning Inter Kashi deep inside their own half.
Midfielder Mahitosh Roy had an early attempt blocked, while winger Yash Chickro came close with a shot that narrowly missed the target. Despite their early dominance in territory and set-piece opportunities, Mohammedan failed to convert pressure into a tangible advantage a recurring theme in their campaign so far.
Asif Breaks the Deadlock
Inter Kashi gradually settled into the rhythm of the game and began to assert control through midfield. Their breakthrough came in the 15th minute, following a well-constructed move down the left flank. Rohit Danu initiated the attack with a smart pass to overlapping full-back Sandip Mandi, who surged into the penalty area before cutting the ball back into a dangerous central zone. Mohammed Asif timed his run to perfection, meeting the pass with composure and guiding a left-footed finish into the bottom-left corner.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in favour of the hosts, who began to dictate possession and control the tempo of the match.
Photo: Santanu Biswas /Focus Sports/ ISL
Under Antonio López Habas, Inter Kashi displayed a structured approach, focusing on maintaining shape and controlling the midfield through the likes of Sergio Llamas and Wayne Vaz. Their passing combinations allowed them to manage the game effectively, though clear-cut scoring chances remained limited.
Mohammedan Sporting, on the other hand, struggled to break down a compact defensive setup. While they showed flashes of creativity, particularly in wide areas, their final ball often lacked precision. Tomba Singh tested Mohammedan goalkeeper Padam Chettri from distance late in the first half, but the effort was comfortably dealt with as Inter Kashi carried a narrow 1-0 lead into the break.
Mohammedan Push for Equaliser
The second half saw Mohammedan Sporting emerge with renewed urgency. Their best opportunity came in the 55th minute, when forward F Lalremsanga produced an excellent run before delivering a lofted cross into the box. Substitute Lalngaihsaka rose above the defence and directed a powerful header towards goal, only to see it crash against the crossbar a moment that encapsulated Mohammedan’s misfortune in front of goal.
The visitors continued to push forward, with Dinesh Meitei and Lalngaihsaka threatening from set-pieces. Lalremsanga remained a constant outlet, using his movement and delivery to trouble the Inter Kashi defence. However, despite their increased attacking intent, Mohammedan were largely restricted to speculative efforts, with Inter Kashi maintaining defensive discipline and compactness.
Defensive Solidity Seals the Result
Inter Kashi’s defensive organisation proved to be the defining factor in the latter stages of the match. The backline held its shape effectively, closing down spaces and forcing Mohammedan into low-percentage attempts. Goalkeeper Shubham Dhas played a crucial role in managing the closing moments, dealing confidently with crosses and ensuring there were no late lapses in concentration.
As the match entered stoppage time, Mohammedan threw numbers forward in a final attempt to salvage a point. A dangerous move involving Lalngaihsaka and Lalremsanga nearly produced an equaliser, but the final effort drifted wide, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitors.
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The contest ultimately highlighted the difference between efficiency and missed chances. Inter Kashi capitalised on one of their few clear opportunities, while Mohammedan Sporting failed to convert multiple promising situations. For Inter Kashi, the victory reflects growing stability under Habas, with the team showing improved organisation and game management. Back-to-back wins will provide a significant confidence boost as they look to climb further up the table.
For Mohammedan Sporting, however, the concerns continue. Despite moments of promise, their inability to convert chances and secure points leaves them in a precarious position early in the season.
Inter Kashi will take encouragement from their defensive resilience and ability to grind out results in tight contests. With momentum building, they will aim to translate these performances into a sustained push up the standings. Mohammedan Sporting, meanwhile, face an urgent need to address their finishing issues. Without improvements in the final third, their struggles are likely to persist.
In the end, it was a game decided by fine margins and Mohammed Asif’s clinical finish ensured Inter Kashi walked away with all three points.
