Rajasthan United FC Triumphs Over Real Kashmir FC in IFL Clash
Rajasthan United Secures Narrow Victory
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], March 17: A crucial first-half goal from Amadou Soukouna led Rajasthan United FC to a narrow 1-0 victory against Real Kashmir FC in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium on Thursday.
Real Kashmir faced a significant setback when Habib Fofana received a second yellow card in the 58th minute, reducing his team to ten players. In stoppage time, Calvin Baretto was also sent off after denying a clear goal-scoring chance.
This win allowed Rajasthan United to temporarily ascend to the top of the league table with seven points, while Real Kashmir found themselves at the bottom with just two points. Soukouna was awarded the Player of the Match title for his performance.
The home team started strong, controlling possession and building their play from the back. Real Kashmir's goalkeeper, Furqan Ahmed, was tested early on, making a crucial save in the 10th minute to thwart an initial threat.
Real Kashmir had a chance to score in the 13th minute from a free-kick taken by Kamal Issah, but Rajasthan defender Abdul Samed cleared the ball. The visitors' defense, led by Basit Ahmed Bhat and Habib Fofana, effectively stifled Rajasthan's offensive efforts.
Ahteeb Ahmad Dar had a chance in the 26th minute but missed the target, while Rajasthan nearly scored in the 36th minute when Jonathan Fernandes' free-kick was saved by Furqan, with Soukouna unable to capitalize on the rebound.
Soukouna, however, broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. After a precise cross from Jordan Lamela, the French striker found the bottom corner with a first-time shot, giving Rajasthan the lead. He almost doubled the score immediately after, but Furqan managed to gather the shot.
After halftime, Real Kashmir sought an equalizer, but Rajasthan's defense held firm. The match shifted significantly when Fofana was sent off, leaving Real Kashmir with ten players.
Despite the disadvantage, Real Kashmir continued to push for a goal, while Rajasthan aimed to exploit their numerical advantage by introducing fresh substitutes.
In the closing moments, both teams had opportunities, but neither could convert. Rajasthan nearly extended their lead, but Soukouna and substitute Naoba Meitei both missed promising chances.
In the dying minutes, Real Kashmir's Calvin Baretto received a red card for denying Soukouna a goal-scoring opportunity, adding to the visitors' woes.
Ultimately, Rajasthan United maintained their lead to secure a 1-0 victory, with Soukouna's goal proving decisive in earning them three points and the top position in the standings.