Nagaland United SC won their Indian Football League debut 3-1 against Real Kashmir FC at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar on October 30, 2026, with Vanlalhriatzuala K scoring twice in the 2026-27 season opener.
JH Remlala put the visitors ahead in the third minute before Vanlalhriatzuala doubled the lead in the 21st. An own goal by Nagaland United captain Rohmingthanga gave Real Kashmir a way back in the 59th minute, but Vanlalhriatzuala scored again in the 74th to secure the club’s first league points. He was named Man of the Match.
Nagaland United head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla selected five under-22 players in his starting XI: C Zomuanpuia, Laldanmawia, Stephen Lalrinfela, Laltnanzova and Remlala. Real Kashmir coach Ishfaq Ahmed fielded two under-22 players, forward Khullakpam Zahir Khan and defender Amzard Khan, in a 4-4-2 formation, with James Kirthan in goal.
The opening goal followed a long throw-in from Lalrinfela on the left. Real Kashmir blocked Remlala’s initial attempt but failed to clear, allowing him to regain possession and fire into the roof of the net from close range.
The hosts began to gain more possession, but Nagaland United doubled their advantage through a five-pass move. Vincent Lalduhawma controlled an aerial ball on his chest and exchanged passes with Zomuansanga before releasing Vanlalhriatzuala on the right. The forward finished with his right foot into the far corner.
Real Kashmir had opportunities to respond before half-time. Thabiso Nelson Brown headed Oinam Sanatomba Singh’s cross over the bar in the 24th minute, while captain Marcus Leric Jr Joseph headed narrowly off target from a corner in the 34th.
Nagaland United goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia then made two saves in first-half stoppage time. He stopped Brown’s diving effort before parrying Joseph Lalvenhima’s shot from outside the box for a corner, preserving the visitors’ 2-0 lead at the break.
Real Kashmir pressed for a goal after the restart. Mohit Mittal shot wide following a corner in the 52nd minute, before Lalvenhima’s cross from the right brought the breakthrough seven minutes later. Rohmingthanga, attempting to clear, diverted the ball into his own net.
Nagaland United restored their two-goal lead in the 74th minute. Zomuansanga’s through ball from the right found Vanlalhriatzuala, who beat the advancing Kirthan before finishing into an empty net.
The visitors threatened again in the 83rd minute when Laldanmawia’s powerful effort forced Kirthan into a flying save. At the other end, Nagaland United cleared a ball from substitute Lalrokima before Eric Remruatpuia Chhangte made a sliding interception to halt another attack in the 88th minute.
Brown headed wide from a late corner, and Mittal’s long-range effort in second-half stoppage time also went wide as Nagaland United held on for victory.