Nagaland United beat Real Kashmir 3-1 in IFL 2026-27 opener at TRC Stadium, Srinagar

On October 30, 2026, Nagaland United defeated Real Kashmir 3-1 in the opening match of the Indian Football League 2026-27 at TRC Football Stadium in Srinagar.

The season kicked off in the Crown of India, Jammu & Kashmir, with the fixture staged in Srinagar’s snow capped valleys. Nagaland United entered the competition as debutants after acquiring their IFL licence from Aizawl FC and were making their first appearance in the second division. The match served as the first contest of the new campaign for both clubs.

The scoring began almost immediately when Remlala put the visitors ahead inside 120 seconds. Hriata extended Nagaland United’s lead in the 21st minute to make it 2-0. Real Kashmir reduced the deficit through an own goal by Rova, bringing the score to 2-1, but Hriata later converted his second of the evening to restore a two-goal cushion and finish the scoring at 3-1.

Hriata’s brace proved decisive as Nagaland United claimed three points from the season opener. Following this single fixture, Nagaland United sit atop the IFL points table with three points and a +2 goal difference. Real Kashmir occupy the bottom position after the defeat.

The match drew local attention as an emphatic debut for Nagaland United in the league, with the club’s early success reflected in the points standings after the first game. Real Kashmir, known as the Snow Leopards, registered an early-season setback and the club’s immediate objective will be to respond in subsequent matches.

The IFL schedule continues with a double-header tomorrow as the competition moves east. Mohammedan SC will face Shillong Lajong in the earlier kick-off, while the evening fixture will see Gokulam Kerala take on debutants Samaleswari in Calicut.