Rajasthan United secured their first IFL win, beating Samaleswari 2-0 through goals from Thomyo Shimray and Brijesh Giri.

Rajasthan United FC secured a 2-0 victory over Samaleswari SC in the Indian Football League 2026-27, scoring twice in the second half to seal all three points. It was their first win of the season, and it came on the opponent’s turf. Showcasing dominance from the very first whistle, Rajasthan firmly controlled the match. After a goalless opening period, Thomyo Shimray broke the deadlock before Brijesh Giri added a second goal late in the match to put the result beyond doubt.

Shimray breaks the deadlock after the interval

The Samaleswari defenders were able to stop Rajasthan attackers from scoring in the first half. Though, the second half turned out to be the decisive part of the match. The first half saw four yellow cards, with Kartik Choudhary and Jorge Pereyra Díaz booked for Samaleswari, while Sabir Musa received a caution for Rajasthan United.

Both teams came out with attacking intent and created opportunities in the opening minutes. Samaleswari nearly took the lead in the second minute when Alan Thapa met a cross from the left, but his header went narrowly over the crossbar. Yoihenba Meitei came even closer moments later as his long-range effort struck the woodwork.

Rajasthan gradually found their rhythm and started creating problems for the Samaleswari defence. Judah Garcia had a good opportunity in the 20th minute after getting past goalkeeper Padam Chettri, but his effort sailed over the bar. Garcia then missed the target with a free-kick, while Pranjal Bhumij forced Chettri into action with a low attempt. Opportunities came and went, but the deadlock did not break.

Giri seals the victory late on

Rajasthan United found the breakthrough seven minutes into the second half. Christopher Kamei set up Thomyo Shimray, who finished with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box in the 52nd minute to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Both teams made changes around the hour mark as Samaleswari looked to respond. Ishan Pandita and Calvin Baretto were among the players introduced, while Rajasthan United also brought on Ricky Vanalalhriatsanga and Brijesh Giri.

Samaleswari kept looking for a way back into the match. Jorge Pereyra Diaz went down inside the box in the 61st minute while trying to create space for a shot, but the referee turned down the penalty appeal. Christopher Kamei came close to scoring in the 76th minute, only to see his long-range effort crash against the crossbar.

Rajasthan remained organised despite coming under pressure and eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 87th minute. After Samaleswari lost possession in their own half, Shimray broke down the left and delivered an accurate cross towards the far post. Brijesh Giri got ahead of his marker and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

With the first win of the season, Rajasthan will try to maintain the momentum to ensure a sweet spot in the league charts.