Jaipur: Leaping high in the air, Amadou Soukouna fired an absolutely stunning header in stoppage-time to power Rajasthan United Football Club to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Namdhari Sports Academy in the Indian Football League here at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium.It was a Friday blockbuster for the home team as they notched up their maiden win of the season in the third outing.The tall Frenchman dodged a couple of Namdhari defenders in the air as the ace forward headed home the winner beating the outstretched hands of Namdhari goalkeeper moments before the final whistle.The former U-19 team member of France national side, Soukouna’s strike in the sixth minute of injury-time sparked off the wild celebrations from his teammates and also hundreds of home supporters, who thronged the stadium braving the summer heat.It was Soukouna’s second goal of the match and the six-foot striker was rightly adjudged as the ‘player of the match’. The 33-year-old forward opened the account for Rajasthan United FC in the 13th minute, which was the only goal in the first half.After the change of ends, RUFC midfielder Pedro Astray doubled the lead by finding the back of the net in the 57th minute.Namdhari launched a late comeback levelling the scores through Manvir Singh (83rd minute) and Najib Ibrahim (90th minute) goals in the last ten minutes.However, just when it looked the match would end in a 2-2 draw, Soukouna magic helped the hosts earn three vital points, which helped them to jump to the fourth spot with four points from three ties in the ten-team high-profile league. It was RUFC’s third successive win over Namdhari.The RUFC head coach Vikrant Sharma described the match as an intense and exciting contest where the team showed great determination. He said the players gave their best, stayed strong in difficult moments, and deservedly secured the three points.“I am proud of the boys and believe the team will continue to improve in the coming matches. Amadou Soukouna displayed exceptional performance. I also acknowledge the collective effort of the entire squad in achieving the important result,” said Sharma.The significant encounter marked the club’s first home victory and was witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd along with several distinguished guests, making it a landmark occasion for football in the state.The match proved to be an exciting contest filled with attacking football and dramatic moments. Rajasthan United FC showed resilience and determination throughout the game. For his outstanding performance and match-winning contribution, Amadou Soukouna was named the Player of the Match. His decisive goals and energetic display played a crucial role in delivering a historic result for the club in its first home fixture.The special occasion was graced by several eminent dignitaries. The chief guest for the evening was Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari.Other distinguished attendees included Dr Neeraj K. Pawan, secretary to the Government in the Youth Affairs Department of Rajasthan; KK Tak, Chairman of Rajasthan United FC; Roshni Tak, Director of Rajasthan United FC; Ramprasad, Senior Pracharak of the RSS; and Dilip Singh Shekhawat, Secretary of the Rajasthan Football Association.Speaking after the match, RUFC chairman KK Tak expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. He stated that the victory was a special moment for the club and for football fans across Rajasthan, especially as it came in the team’s inaugural home game. He emphasized that the club’s vision has always been to develop and promote football in the state and that the support from fans and stakeholders continues to inspire the team to aim higher.Director Roshni Tak described the match as an enthralling game that was breathtaking at times but ended in a proud victory for Rajasthan United FC. She said the club is proud of the team and overwhelmed by the incredible support from fans.She reiterated the club’s commitment to supporting the growth of football in Rajasthan and India.Following this significant victory, Rajasthan United FC will now turn their focus to their next fixture against Real Kashmir FC, scheduled for March 17, which will also be played at their home ground. The club looks forward to building on the momentum from this win and continuing to deliver strong performances in front of their supporters.
