Rajasthan United Triumphs Over Namdhari Sports Academy in Thrilling 3-2 Finish
Exciting Match Ends with Late Goal
In a nail-biting contest of the Indian Football League 2025-26, Rajasthan United secured a 3-2 victory against Namdhari Sports Academy at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Friday, thanks to a last-minute goal from Amadou Soukouna.
Soukouna opened the scoring for the home team in the 13th minute, and Pedro Astray extended their lead in the 57th minute. However, Namdhari made a spirited comeback in the final ten minutes, equalizing with goals from Manvir Singh (83') and Najib Ibrahim (90').
Ultimately, Soukouna's decisive strike in the sixth minute of stoppage time clinched the first win of the season for Rajasthan United, propelling them to fourth place in the standings with seven points from three matches, while Namdhari remains in ninth with just two points.
Team Adjustments for the Match
Rajasthan United's head coach Vikrant Sharma implemented five changes for this home match, introducing Gautam Virwani, Thomyo L. Shimray, Joseph Lalvenhina, Jonathan Reis, and Abdul Samed Ango. They replaced William Pauliankhum, Lalfelkina, Pangambam Naoba Meitei, Gerard Artigas, and Cedric Gogoua.
Conversely, Namdhari's coach Harpreet Singh made a single adjustment, bringing in forward Abdoulaye Diallo in place of midfielder Adersh Mattummal.
First Half Highlights
Namdhari struggled initially, allowing Rajasthan to capitalize early. Soukouna pressured defender Gurshan Singh, whose weak clearance was intercepted by Soukouna, who then scored past goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.
Soukouna nearly added to his tally shortly after, but his shot was cleared off the line by Lamine Moro. Rajasthan continued to apply pressure, with Pedro Astray hitting the post and Shafeel PP forcing a save from the goalkeeper.
As the half progressed, Namdhari began to find their rhythm, creating opportunities, especially from set-pieces. Najib Ibrahim missed a chance to score from a free-kick, and Moro's header from a corner was also cleared off the line.
Rajasthan's goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri made crucial saves, including a direct free-kick from Seilenthang Lotjem and a diving stop against Jaskaranpreet Singh.
Second Half Unfolds Dramatically
Niraj made an impressive save early in the second half, denying a powerful free-kick from Pedro Astray. Rajasthan maintained their momentum, doubling their lead in the 57th minute when Pedro Astray scored after a rebound from Jonathan Reis's shot.
Namdhari faced a setback when defender Moro received two yellow cards in quick succession, leaving them with ten players.
Despite this, Namdhari managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from Manvir Singh, who capitalized on a deflected cross. They equalized dramatically when Najib Ibrahim scored after a well-placed cross from Jaskaranpreet Singh.
Soukouna's Last-Minute Goal Secures Victory
As the match seemed destined for a draw, Rajasthan United created one last opportunity in injury time. A long ball into the box was headed by Gursimrat Singh, setting up Soukouna, who scored with a powerful header, igniting celebrations among the home fans.