I-League: Real Kashmir bows 0-2 against Neroca FC and suffers its first defeat

Real Kashmir lose 0-2 against Neroca FC. (Source: File)

Manipur's Neroca FC gave Real Kashmir FC's debutants their first I-League loss with a 2-0 win on Sunday. Felix Chidi scored twice (28th and 74th minutes) to give Neroca their first win of the season at the TRC Turf Stadium. Neroca sank 0-2 to East Bengal in their first home match before drawing 1-1 against Gokulam Kerala and Aizawl FC (0-0).

Real Kashmir, meanwhile, had the defending champions, Minerva Punjab, 1-0 at Panchkula, start their first season in I-League in a breathtaking way. They then drew goallessly against Churchill Bothers in their previous match. On Sunday, the Neroca FC initially had more exchanges, but the "Snow Leopards" reacted in an offensive manner by attacking Ivorian striker Gnohere Krizo and Farooq Dane with a flanking badist, without however finding the bottom of the nets.

Real Kashmir had his first chance in the fifth minute. A blow to Neroca's defense allowed the Dane to make a good attempt, but Neroca's Italian goalkeeper Mauro Boerchio also saved the goal from the first period.

] Neroca immediately launched a counterattack and they would have scored if Ravanan Dharmaraj had not got a very good clearance before Real Kashmir's goal line. Real Kashmir nearly scored a goal in the 15th minute when Krizo's header from a corner hit the post and returned to the game.

Neroca scored in the 28th minute to change the complexion's match. A good center from Ashok Singh on the left landed just ahead of Felix Chidi, who made no mistake in inflating Real Kashmir's net. The goal strengthened Neroca's confidence and the visitors seemed to have a better side until the end of the first half, even though they could not increase their lead despite good attacks at goal where Real Kashmir's defense remained firm.

Real Kashmir went into offensive mode and made some nice pbades and crosses, but their inability to finish cost them a lot. In the 63rd minute, Real Kashmir attempted to score, but Krizo's shot hit the post again. Neroca goalkeeper Mauro recovered comfortably.

Neroca FC doubled their lead in the 74th minute when a defensive play from Real Kashmir gave Felix Chidi the opportunity to win his second goal of the day and that of his team. A desperate Real Kashmir had a brilliant opportunity to narrow the gap in the 88th minute but the Farooq Dane was missing a goalkeeper.

Neroca now has five points of a win, two draws and a win while Real Kashmir FC has four points of a win. , a draw and a loss.

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