Talking Points: Are Real Kashmir one of the most disciplined sides in I-League?

Bazie Armand scored the only goal of the game.

In a tightly contested game, Real Kashmir defeated Aizawl FC in a narrow affair in the chilly afternoon at the TRC stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday afternoon.  Both the teams started the games in high spirits, but it was the debutants who had the last laugh.

David Robertson’s side created better chances as compared to Aizawl side in the first half. The Snow Leopards eventually scored at the half-hour mark, thanks to the Ivorian midfielder Bazie Armand. While Aizawl had the majority of possession in the game, their inability to bury the chances helped the hosts with three full points and to move to the fourth place in the standings.

Here are the talking points of the game.

5. Real Kashmir are one of the most disciplined defensive sides in the league

Real Kashmir's defensive duo of Loveday Enyinnaya and Mason Robertson had conceded only three goals ahead of the meeting and continued their great form against Aizawl as well. The duo gave no chance to Ansumana Kromah and co. to level the score.

The visitors posed many threats through set-pieces and counter-attacks but were efficiently dealt with by the Snow Leopards' backline. Both of the defenders made several important clearances, to keep the visitors at bay for most of the game. Their synchronization and understanding also helped the Kashmiri side, as they registered yet another win.

4. Real Kashmir is in dire need of being clinical

Gnohere Krizo led the line for the home team but didn’t convert the chances created by the team. In the first half, he had two golden opportunities to score and wrap the game early but couldn’t convert the chances. Surchandra and Abednego Tetteh also had one good chance each in the first half but failed to put it in the back of the nets. 

In the second half too, Real Kashmir forwards bottled the chances by making bad judgements shooting from a long range. Star forward Danish Farooq also missed another golden chance to get himself into the scorers' sheet in the dying moments of the game. as Aizwal goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh stood tall.

3. Abash Thapa was the standout Indian performer

The young Abash Thapa was the standout performer on Wednesday afternoon. Thapa completely nullified Albert Zohmingliana in the wide areas as he constantly marked him and denied him any space to cross.

Just around an hour mark, Albert was replaced by Lalremsanga Fanai but Thapa stood tall as he went on to showcase a textbook display.

ALSO READ

• Sunil Chhetri's viral appeal become 'most retweeted' tweet from India in 2018

• Jorge Costa hints on spirited gameplay, John Gregory praises Mumbai City

• David James lauds Sandesh Jhingan, Cesar Ferrando terms the match as well-balanced

2. Bilal Khan’s improvement has been massive from last season.

Real Kashmir goalkeeper Bilal Khan had some very nervy moments in the game. Compared to his last season in Gokulam Kerala, the keeper has improved his game by miles in this season. Khan looked confident as he was not afraid coming out of his box to clear the ball numerous times. His acrobatic abilities have also heightened, which gave the hosts an edge against the Aizawl forwards.

He, however, had a moment when he cleared the ball but unfortunately rebounding from a crossbar. To his, and everyone’s concern fortunately Leonce Dadoz failed to convert it. Apart from the howler, Khan was trustworthy under the bars.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

1. Bazie Armand flashed his true potential

The former East Bengal midfielder ruled the midfield for the Snow Leopards in what was an evidence of his true potential. He scored the only goal in the match with a header, which also marked his second goal of the season. He was instrumental in the centre of the pitch by making his physical presence felt by tackling the attacking threats by the Aizwal midfield. Bazie also made some scintillating runs, making the base for a successful attacking gameplay later in the game.