Bangalore: Rajasthan United FC (RUFC) became the newest team to earn promotion to the I-League 2021-22, after clinching a hard-fought draw against Kenkre FC in the final matchday of the second phase of I-League qualifiers. RUFC became the first team from the state to enter the prestigious tournament.
Founded in 2018, as Jaipur Engineering College and Research Centre FC, RUFC had a college team that turned to potential I-League competitors. The JECRC FC were re-branded to RUFC in 2020 and in the maiden year itself they managed to win the Rajasthan State Men’s League to advance into the I-League qualifiers.
Vikrant Sharma managed the team, reached the second phase of the Qualifiers as runners up from Group A behind Madan Maharaj FC with five points, following a win against Ryntih FC and two underwhelming draws against FC Bengaluru United and Madan Maharaj FC.
In the second phase, RUFC eased past Madan Maharaj FC with a 2-0 margin, while had to struggle against Delhi FC to clinch a narrow late 1-0 victory. However, they only needed a point against Kashmir-based Kenkre FC who were two points behind the former. RUFC custodian Vishal Joon was the main man keeping RUFC in the game, foiling the continuous efforts of Lester Fernandes, Pravitto Raju and Yash Mathre.
The club will now play in the I-League to be held at Kolkata, starting from January 2022.
