Real Kashmir upstaged Chennai City FC for the second time, clinching a 1-0 victory over the table-toppers in freezing conditions to leave the I-League title race wide open here Monday.
Ivorian Gnohere Krizo struck in the 81st minute to extend Real Kashmir’s unbeaten run to 10 matches and send the home supporters into wild celebrations.
With three points from Monday’s win, the I-League debutants joined Churchill at the second with 28 points from 14 matches and narrowed down the gap with leader Chennai (30 from 14) to just two points.
Real Kashmir dominated with a lot of shots at the opposition goal.
The first real chance came in the 35th minute when Krizo broke free and had just goalkeeper Santana Garcia to beat in front of him. However, Santana produced a fine save off the Ivorian’s volley.
Real Kashmir did most of the attacking in the first half. If it was not for Chennai goalkeeper Santana’s fine saves, Real Kashmir would have been ahead at the half-time.
The second half was not too different with the home side threatening to take the lead but the forwards kept wasting chances. With just nine minutes of regulation time left, Real Kashmir finally earned the rewards when Krizo headed home a Danish Farooq cross from right.