Leopards hunt in snow

M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 6

I-League’s surprise package Real Kashmir FC continued to impress with their tenacity as the Snow Leopards overcame chilling conditions and a dogged Gokulam Kerala FC to jump to the top of the league table here on Wednesday.

Cheered on by their home fans who braved incessant snow and rain during the match, the Real defence once again proved impregnable despite slippery conditions.

Gnohere Krizo, who had scored the winner in their previous home match against title rivals Chennai City, once again gave Kashmir the crucial goal in the 51st minute.

Local boy Farhan Ganiae’s shot from the top of the box was saved by the Gokulam goalkeeper but Krizo pounced on the rebound before tapping in the ball.

Due to the inclement weather, the TRC Ground didn’t witness the usual full attendance but the die-hard fans, some carrying umbrellas and others using posters to stay dry, cheered their team to victory. The spectators watched the entire game standing due to wet seats. The commentator on the TV channel DD Kashir summed up the mood, saying, “Sports activities take a backseat in winters but this game has set a new trend... now we will play in the snow and all through the winters.” 

Real Kashmir have 32 points, two more than Chennai City. But Chennai have two games in hand. “The boys showed some real character in the difficult conditions and I am really happy with the result. Topping the table is a great motivation for us, but we have to focus on the coming matches,” Real coach David Robertson said. 

Gokulam Kerala coach Gift Raikhan said: “The weather conditions were very bad and it was an advantage for the home side.... but this is not an excuse. We will try to play better in the coming games.”

Real Kashmir play East Bengal at home, while Gokulam take on former champions Aizawl FC in Kerala on February 10.