Srinagar, February 6: Real Kashmir FC kept themselves in contention for the I-League title as they jumped to the top of points table by defeating Gokulam Kerala 1-0 in a match played under rain and snow at the TRC Ground here Wednesday. Ivorian striker Gnohere Krizo scored the all-important goal in the 51st minute to hand Real Kashmir full three points from the match.
The Jammu and Kashmir team now has 32 points from 16 matches to occupy the top spot, two points more than Chennai City FC (30 points from 14 matches) who, however, have played only 14 matches. Each team will play 20 matches in the league. 'This is Kerala Not Kashmir', Real Kashmir FC Allege Misbehaviour Ahead of I-League Clash vs Gokulam Kerala FC.
We thank Gokulam Kerala FC for playing brilliantly in such a weather. Both teams today ensured that football game wins. Thank you boys, said Chattoo and Meraj in a statement.@realkashmirfc vs @GokulamKeralaFC
— Real Kashmir FC (@realkashmirfc) February 6, 2019
The match was played under heavy ground conditions due to snow and heavy rainfall with the temperature hovering just above freezing point. It started snowing before the match but it gave way to heavy rainfall later on.
The whole of the second half was played under rains. The players found it difficult to control the ball which stopped at areas of the synthetic turf where water collected. Ground passing was not possible and the players had to take the aerial route most of the time.