KOLKATA: Real Kashmir FC opened the IFA Shield tournament on a dominant note by thrashing Indian Arrows 3-0 at the East Bengal Stadium, Kolkata, in their opening match on Wednesday.
A goal each from Fran Gonzalez, Pratesh Shirodkar, and Thoi Singh put Real Kashmir FC as the defending IFA Shield champions in the lead. Defender Fran Gonzalez gave Real Kashmir Fc the lead in the 18th minute.
Four minutes later, a moment of individual brilliance from Shirodkar doubled the Snow Leopards’ lead. The Goan midfielder dribbled his way past a couple of defenders on the left before playing a one-two with Thoi Singh and slotting it past Indian Arrows goalkeeper Ahan Prakash.
Ahan survived a hairy moment in the 70th minute after he came out of his box to clear a long ball and missed it completely. Real Kashmir winger Surchandra Singh was on hand to take advantage but could not capitalise.
Thoi was again into the act in the 87th minute after pouncing on a loose ball in the box and smashing it goal-wards. Ahan got a huge hand to it but it was not enough as the ball trickled in off the far post.
Meanwhile the Indian Arrows did not look fazed despite the fact that Real Kashmir named a strong Starting XI and kept plugging for openings with their patient, possession-based style of play but often lacked the final finish at the end.
Thoi got in on the act in the 87th minute after pouncing on a loose ball in the box and smashing it goal-wards. Ahan got a huge hand to it but it was not enough as the ball trickled in off the far post.

KR Desk