Jaipur, March 17 (NationPress) Amadou Soukouna's pivotal first-half goal was the key moment as Rajasthan United FC narrowly defeated Real Kashmir FC 1-0 in a closely contested match of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium on Tuesday.

Real Kashmir faced a significant setback when Habib Fofana received a second yellow card in the 58th minute, leaving them with just nine players after Calvin Baretto was also dismissed in stoppage time for denying a clear scoring chance.

This victory 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 only two points. Soukouna's performance earned him the title of Player of the Match.

The home team started strong, controlling possession and methodically building their attacks. Real Kashmir's goalkeeper, Furqan Ahmed, was tested early on, making a crucial save in the 10th minute to thwart a scoring opportunity.

In the 13th minute, Real Kashmir had a chance from a Kamal Issah free-kick, but Rajasthan's defender Abdul Samed cleared it effectively. The visitors' defense, led by Basit Ahmed Bhat and Fofana, remained solid, frustrating Rajasthan's offensive efforts.

Ahteeb Ahmad Dar nearly found the net in the 26th minute but missed the target, while Rajasthan came close in the 36th minute when a free-kick from Jonathan Fernandes was saved by Furqan, with Soukouna unable to capitalize on the rebound.

Soukouna's persistence paid off just before halftime when he scored in stoppage time. A precise cross from Jordan Lamela found the French striker, who finished with a powerful strike into the bottom corner, putting Rajasthan United ahead. He almost doubled the score immediately after, but Furqan managed to save the shot.

After the break, Real Kashmir sought an equalizer, yet Rajasthan remained firm defensively. The match turned decisively in the 58th minute as Habib Fofana was sent off, leaving the visitors with only ten players.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Real Kashmir pressed for a goal, while Rajasthan took advantage of their situation by introducing fresh players off the bench.

Both teams created scoring opportunities as the match drew to a close, but neither could convert. Rajasthan nearly extended their lead, but Soukouna and substitute Naoba Meitei both missed clear chances.

In the dying moments, Real Kashmir's substitute Calvin Baretto was also shown a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity to Soukouna, adding to their woes.

Ultimately, Rajasthan United held on for a 1-0 victory, with Soukouna's goal securing three vital points that propelled them to the top of the league standings.