Manolo Jimenez's side almost took the lead at their Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in the third minute when a Kanoute effort was cleared off the line.
The referee then waved away their appeal for a Rangers handball in the penalty area from the resulting corner but he was more receptive when Fernando Navarro tumbled over Steven Whittaker's outstretched leg in the seventh minute.
Sevilla, who had already qualified for the knockout stages, amassed 13 points from their six matches. Kanoute's goal was their 150th in European competition and it was their 50th win in 92 matches.
Jimenez said he was pleased Sevilla had reclaimed their place among Europe's 16 elite clubs by topping the group.
"We controlled the match with ease and once again we claimed the points that put us where we need to be," he told the club's website.
"Let's see who we get in the draw and if we have the capacity and confidence needed to know we can beat anyone."
