East Bengal FC Clinches IWL 2025-26 Title with Dominant Victory
East Bengal FC Secures Title in Style
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 13: East Bengal FC celebrated their triumph in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2025-26 by successfully defending their title, achieving a 2-0 win against Nita Football Academy on Tuesday, with two matches remaining in the season.
Earlier that day, Gokulam Kerala FC managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Sribhumi FC, while Sethu FC and Sesa Football Academy ended their match in a 1-1 draw, according to a release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
After Matchday 12, East Bengal FC leads the standings with 33 points, followed by Sethu FC at 23 points and Kickstart FC Karnataka in third with 19 points. Both Nita Football Academy and Gokulam Kerala FC are tied at 16 points in the middle of the table, while SESA Football Academy sits at the bottom with three points.
In front of their home crowd, East Bengal showcased their dominance with a 2-0 win over Nita Football Academy, reinforcing their status as the team to beat throughout the league.
From the outset, East Bengal controlled the match's pace and broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Soumya Guguloth scored the first goal after skillfully connecting with a long ball from Ashalata Devi.
With a 1-0 lead at halftime, East Bengal continued to assert their dominance and sought a second goal to secure their victory.
Their efforts bore fruit in the 65th minute through a brilliant team play. Fazila Ikwaput delivered an exquisite pass to Soumya, who skillfully maneuvered past a defender and the goalkeeper to net her second goal.
East Bengal kept creating opportunities, with Sulanjana nearly scoring a third when her shot hit the crossbar in the 91st minute. Nita FA struggled to mount any significant attacks as East Bengal maintained control throughout the match.
Nita FA's Nishima Kumari received a yellow card in the 72nd minute due to frustration. To manage the closing moments of the game, East Bengal substituted Fazila and Resty Nanziri, bringing on Rubina Khatun and Shrabani Murmu in stoppage time (90+3'). Soumya Guguloth was rightfully awarded Player of the Match for her two goals.
In another match, Gokulam Kerala FC edged out Sribhumi Football Club 1-0 in a closely fought contest at the East Bengal Ground.
The visitors were more aggressive in the first half, consistently challenging the Sribhumi defense. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when captain Emueje Ogbiagbevha scored in the 42nd minute, giving Gokulam a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Sribhumi FC increased their efforts to equalize but found it difficult to penetrate Gokulam's solid defense.
As the match progressed, frustration grew for the hosts, leading to yellow cards for Toijam Thoibisana Chanu and Mousumi Murmu in the 80th and 87th minutes, respectively.
Gokulam expertly managed the final minutes, introducing Priyanka Kashyap and Priyadharshini late in stoppage time to secure their victory. Emueje Ogbiagbevha was named Player of the Match for her crucial goal.
In the afternoon match, Sethu and SESA Football Academy played to a tense 1-1 draw at the National Centre of Excellence.
Sethu started strong, taking the lead in the 9th minute with a goal from S Lynda Kom, which they held until halftime.
However, SESA Football Academy displayed resilience and equalized in the 59th minute through Maurine Achieng's vital finish.
Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the match concluded in a draw. Maurine Achieng was awarded Player of the Match for her equalizing goal.
Kickstart FC Karnataka secured a narrow 1-0 win over Garhwal United FC in a tightly contested match.
The decisive moment came just before halftime when Aruna Bag scored in the 41st minute, giving Kickstart a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Garhwal United FC sought an equalizer but could not breach Kickstart's resolute defense.
Kickstart FC Karnataka effectively managed the closing stages, making strategic substitutions to maintain their lead. Aruna Bag was named Player of the Match for her decisive goal.