I-League: RKFC squander 2-goal advantage, draw 2-2 with Aizawl

Srinagar, Feb 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Real Kashmir squandered a two-goal advantage and a penalty to be pegged back to a 2-2 draw by Aizawl in an I-League clash here on Saturday.

Kashmir's in-form foreigners Mason Robertson (36th minute) and Kallum Higginbotham (54th) put them 2-0 ahead and seemingly on course for all three points.

But a four-minute spell late in the game by Aizawl, where they scored twice through Rochharzela (84th, penalty and 87th) helped the former champions get a point at the TRC Ground.

Robin Singh missed a penalty for the home team in the 78th minute when he shot wide from the spot following a handball.

With the point, RKFC improved to 19 points from 13 games to be fourth in the standings. Aizawl jumped up to the eighth spot, with 16 points after 14 games.

RKFC were keen to seize the initiative at their home ground and went ahead through a beautiful free-kick by Robertson. The Scotsman lined up his free-kick and curled it around the wall inside the near post. The 'Snow Leopards' led 1-0 at halftime.

They kept up the pressure after the break and got ample reward when Higginbotham directed Ritwik Das' cut back into the net.

Aizawl crawled back into the contest when they converted a penalty for a handball. Riding on the momentum they equalised when Rochharzela skipped.

Inspector General of CRPF Rajesh Kumar came to witness the match. The two teams were introduced to him by RKFC co-owner Sandeep Chattoo.

Continuous rainfall failed to dampen the spirits of the Kashmiris who had turned up to witness the match. School children, dressed in their uniforms, also reached the TRC stadium to cheer their home team.

"It was a wonderful game and RKFC was at its best. However, the last few minutes were lucky for the rivals as they equalled the lead" said Sandeep Chattoo.

Source: IANS