Real Kashmir FC aim to secure their safety from relegation with a victory against Namdhari FC in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at Deccan Arena on Monday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:30 IST, with live coverage available on DD Sports and Sony Sports Network, and streaming on Waves and Sony LIV.
The league has entered a crucial round-robin phase involving the bottom four teams. Each has played one match and will play two more, with the lowest-ranked side facing relegation, increasing the stakes for the remaining fixtures.
Real Kashmir enter the game buoyed by a convincing 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC, with goals from Shedrack Charles, Mohammad Inam, and an own goal by Vitor Barata. Conversely, Namdhari come off a 1-2 defeat to Aizawl FC, creating a contrasting psychological backdrop for the encounter.
Following their recent win, Real Kashmir have 11 points from 10 matches; a victory on Monday would move them to 14 points, making it impossible for bottom-placed Namdhari to overtake them. Namdhari face immense pressure with only two matches left; anything less than a win would severely hinder their chances of survival.
However, Namdhari won the first meeting between the teams on March 25, with Seilenthang Lotjem scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory during the league phase. Real Kashmir head coach Ishfaq Ahmed is expected to maintain the same lineup and tactics that secured their recent win, relying on the striking partnership of Shedrack Charles and Mohammad Inam.
Charles poses the greatest attacking threat to Namdhari’s defence, having contributed six goal involvements this season, including three goals and three assists, highlighting both his finishing skill and creative influence. Support from the wide areas is also vital, with Marius Obekop-who has four goal involvements, three goals and one assist-and Ateeb Ahmed Dar set to operate on the flanks to challenge Namdhari’s defensive structure.
Namdhari’s primary concern remains their defensive frailty, ending the league stage with the joint second-worst defensive record, having conceded 18 goals. This is particularly worrying against an in-form Real Kashmir attack.
Namdhari’s offensive hopes rest largely on Manvir Singh, their top scorer with three goals this season, who is likely to lead the attack alongside Rohit. His ability to capitalise on limited chances may prove crucial in a contest where scoring opportunities are expected to be scarce.
With superior form, confidence and momentum, Real Kashmir appear better positioned for the match. Nonetheless, Namdhari’s previous win in the fixture and the intense pressure of the relegation battle ensure that the outcome remains finely balanced.