Srinagar/Hyderabad, Saturday, April 11, 2026: Sreenidi Deccan FC and Real Kashmir FC will look to secure crucial home victories when they host Rajasthan United FC and Gokulam Kerala FC, respectively, in Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 double-header on Sunday, April 12.

The match between Real Kashmir FC and Gokulam Kerala FC will be played at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar at 16:00 IST. Later in the evening Sreenidi Deccan FC will host Rajasthan United FC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad at 18:30 IST.

Both the matches will be broadcast live on DD Sports and Sony Sports Network, and streamed on Waves and Sony LIV.

Real Kashmir FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC

Real Kashmir FC who are winless in the season will look to recover from a 1-2 defeat to Chanmari FC in their last fixture. The result kept the Snow Leopards at the bottom of the standings with two points. A victory on Sunday is critical for the side to close the gap on the teams above them before the start of Round two of fixtures.

Head coach Ishfaq Ahmed highlighted the significance of the fixture for their season. “This is an extremely crucial match for us to build momentum,” Ahmed noted. “A positive result keeps us competitive with the other teams, as the points difference in the table remains minimal. We have two home games coming up and are hoping for the best.”

Defender Huzaifa echoed the urgency of the situation, noting the squad’s positive preparation. “In our minds, we only have one thing: to win, because we do not have another option,” Huzaifa stated. “We have trained well, and there is good momentum going into the match.”

The Snow Leopards will look to secure their first victory by tightening their defensive organisation and relying on a direct, physical approach to challenge the visitors.

Gokulam Kerala FC travel to Srinagar aiming to bounce back from a narrow 0-1 defeat to Rajasthan United FC in Jaipur. The result left the Malabarians in seventh place with eight points. A victory on the road would allow them to climb towards the top half of the table and secure crucial away points.

Head coach Dimitris Dimitriou cautioned against underestimating the hosts based on their league position. “Real Kashmir are a very good and well-structured team,” Dimitriou stated. “Their current place in the standings is not a true reflection of their actual quality or value.”

Under Dimitriou, the Malabarians have focused on midfield control and organised transitions. The squad will aim to dictate the tempo and execute their game plan to collect maximum points against the hosts and climb the league table.

Sreenidi Deccan FC vs Rajasthan United FC

Sreenidi Deccan FC, playing at the Deccan Arena will be looking to return to winning ways following a 1-1 draw against Aizawl FC. The result left the Deccan Warriors in the fourth place with 12 points. A victory on Sunday is essential for the side to leapfrog their opponents and keep pace with the league leaders.

Head coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto acknowledged the high stakes of the encounter. “Both teams are fighting to be champions, not only for second place,” Vaz Pinto stated. “Rajasthan are one of the best teams in the league with good players and a capable coach. I expect a highly competitive match between two top sides.”

Defender Abhash Thapa shared the squad’s determination to execute their tactical approach. “I am really excited and focused at the same time,” Thapa noted. “We are ready and will give our best to perform as the coach has planned and try to win tomorrow.”

Vaz Pinto will expect his side to convert their significant possession into clear chances, improving their efficiency in front of goal to secure the result.

Rajasthan United FC travel to Hyderabad aiming to build on a 1-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC in their previous fixture. The result elevated the Desert Warriors to third in the table with 14 points. A win against Sreenidi Deccan would further consolidate their position among the frontrunners and extend their advantage over the chasing pack.

Head coach Vikrant Sharma highlighted the team’s positive form and the necessity of maintaining it. “We have already played five matches and done really well. We know the importance of this match to carry our momentum into the second round,” Sharma noted. “Winning is a habit, and we are focused on the serious business tomorrow.”

Captain Bhabindra Malla Thakuri echoed the squad’s ambition to push for the title. “We are looking forward to a competitive match against a top team,” Thakuri stated. “We are highly motivated after our recent wins, and our focus is on securing the three points to challenge for the championship.”

Sharma’s side prioritises a possession-based approach, building attacks from the defence. The visitors will look to maintain their structural discipline and execute swift transitions to break down the well-organised Sreenidi Deccan structure.

The head-to-head matchups between the two teams slightly favour the hosts. In seven previous encounters, Sreenidi Deccan have recorded four victories to Rajasthan United’s two, with one match ending in a draw. Sreenidi Deccan have scored 13 goals in these fixtures compared to six by Rajasthan United. In their most recent meeting on December 5, 2024, Sreenidi Deccan registered a 2-1 victory in Hyderabad.

With Sreenidi Deccan pushing to maintain their challenge at the top of the table and Real Kashmir desperate to end their winless run, Sunday’s double-header carries significant importance for both ends of the standings.