Jaipur, March 17 Amadou Soukouna, the French forward for Rajasthan United FC, scored in the first half, which proved decisive as they defeated Real Kashmir FC 1-0 in an Indian Football League match here on Tuesday.
Real Kashmir were reduced to nine players after Habib Fofana was sent off in the 58th minute for a second yellow card, and Calvin Baretto was also shown a red card in stoppage time for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
This win saw Rajasthan United provisionally climb to the top of the table with seven points, while Real Kashmir slumped to the bottom with two.
Soukouna was named Player of the Match.
The hosts dominated possession early on, building resolutely from the back. Real Kashmir goalkeeper Furqan Ahmed made a timely interception in the 10th minute to deny an early opportunity.
The visitors had a chance in the 13th minute from a Kamal Issah free-kick, but Rajasthan defender Abdul Samed headed it clear.
Real Kashmir's defence, marshalled by Basit Ahmed Bhat and Habib Fofana, remained compact to frustrate Rajasthan's attacking moves.
But Soukouna continued to threaten and finally broke the deadlock in the first half stoppage time. Jordan Lamela delivered a precise cross from the right, and the French striker finished with a first-time strike into the bottom corner to give Rajasthan United the lead at halftime.
He could have doubled the lead the very next minute, but the Snow Leopards' goalkeeper safely collected the shot.
Real Kashmir pushed for an equaliser after the restart, but Rajasthan remained resolute at the back.