Rajasthan United FC climbed provisionally to the top of the I-League 2025-26 table with a gritty 1-0 victory over Real Kashmir FC at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium on Thursday, in a match marked by discipline issues and a decisive first-half goal from Amadou Soukouna.
The home side dominated possession from the outset, patiently building attacks and testing the visitors’ defensive resolve. Real Kashmir goalkeeper Furqan Ahmed was alert early on, making a crucial interception in the 10th minute to deny Rajasthan an opening breakthrough.
Real Kashmir responded with a chance of their own three minutes later when Kamal Issah delivered a dangerous free-kick, but Rajasthan defender Abdul Samed rose well to head clear. Despite Rajasthan’s attacking pressure, the visitors’ defence, led by Basit Ahmed Bhat and Habib Fofana, held firm for much of the first half.
Ahteeb Ahmad Dar came close for Real Kashmir in the 26th minute but failed to hit the target, while Rajasthan nearly found the breakthrough in the 36th minute when Jonathan Fernandes’ free-kick was parried by Furqan, leaving Soukouna just short of converting the rebound.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived in first-half stoppage time. Jordan Lamela whipped in a precise cross from the right flank, and Soukouna made no mistake, firing a first-time finish into the bottom corner to give Rajasthan United a crucial lead heading into the break.
Real Kashmir came out with renewed intent in the second half, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. But their efforts were dealt a major blow in the 58th minute when Fofana was shown a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to 10 men and shifting momentum firmly in Rajasthan’s favour.
Despite being a man down, Real Kashmir continued to fight, but Rajasthan’s defence remained organised and resilient under pressure. The situation worsened for the visitors in stoppage time when substitute Calvin Baretto was shown a straight red card for denying Soukouna a clear goalscoring opportunity, leaving Real Kashmir with just nine players on the pitch.
Rajasthan United held their nerve in the closing moments to secure all three points, with Soukouna’s composed finish proving the difference on the night. The French forward was rightly named Player of the Match for his match-winning contribution.
The victory lifts Rajasthan United to seven points, placing them at the top of the standings for now, while Real Kashmir remain rooted to the bottom with just two points, reflecting a difficult start to their campaign.
