Diamond Harbour FC staged a comeback to edge Real Kashmir FC 2-1 at Srinagar's TRC on Thursday, January 31, 2026, in IFL 2025-26 play. The result catapults them to the summit with 13 points from six outings, while Real Kashmir stay anchored at the base with two. This outcome underscores resilience under pressure and boosts momentum in a tightly contested season.

Early Control Eludes Goal for Hosts

Real Kashmir seized initial advantage through sustained ball retention and opportunities fashioned by Rohen Singh, Oinam Sanatomba Singh, and Ahteeb Ahmad Dar during the opening 45 minutes. Despite this pressure, no breakthrough materialized before the break. Diamond Harbour steadily gained traction, as Bryce Miranda and Antonio Moyano exerted greater control, balancing the exchanges and priming an active resumption.

Quickfire Exchanges Define Mid-Period

The second half ignited in the 55th minute when Bryce Miranda drove forward on the left and supplied a cut-back for Hugo Diaz to convert with composure. Real Kashmir countered swiftly in the 67th, as Junior Traore met Basit Ahmed Bhat's accurate right-flank delivery with a diving header to restore parity. Exchanges intensified thereafter, with both Furkan Ahmed Dar and Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem excelling between the uprights to thwart further advances.

Late Set-Piece Seals Valuable Away Haul

Antonio Moyano's inswinging free kick in the 83rd minute picked out substitute Sunday Kolawole, who rose to direct a header beyond the keeper and flip the script. Real Kashmir mounted a furious response yet faltered in front of goal, enabling Diamond Harbour to preserve their lead. Beyond the immediate points, the display reveals depth in substitutions and set-piece execution as differentiators, while highlighting conversion challenges for trailing sides in high-stakes fixtures. Such shifts early in the campaign signal a fluid hierarchy ahead.