Thursday photo

Indian Football League: Real Kashmir FC will take on Gokulam Kerala FC in a relegation-stage clash in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Thursday. Real Kashmir enter this contest with a clear psychological edge, having secured a 6-2 victory against Gokulam in their previous meeting. That result underlined the Snow Leopards’ ability to impose themselves both structurally and in attacking phases.

Momentum, too, favours the Kashmir-based side. They closed out the league stage with a 2-0 win against a swift Sreenidi Deccan, demonstrating defensive discipline and attacking efficiency. Gokulam, in contrast, endured a difficult finish, suffering a 2-5 defeat to table-toppers Diamond Harbour FC.

Real Kashmir head coach Ishfaq Ahmad emphasised the positives from his side’s recent performances, particularly highlighting discipline and defensive solidity. “I think the last two matches have been fantastic for us. The boys did really well. A lot of credit goes to them because they really worked hard and got out of that bottom place. Now they have to do the same thing they have been doing, stick to the plan, and maintain discipline. Hard work and good discipline were two positives from those two matches, along with finishing with a clean sheet. Hopefully, by the grace of the Almighty, we continue in the same way,” he said.