Indian Women's League: East Bengal and Gokulam Kerala Secure Victories

East Bengal Maintains Unbeaten Streak with Narrow Win

On Thursday, East Bengal FC achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over former champions Sethu FC in Kolkata, continuing their impressive run in the Indian Women's League (IWL) 2025-26. The match's pivotal moment occurred shortly after the hour mark when Resty Nanziri linked up with Fazila Ikwaput and Soumya Guguloth in a swift offensive play. Guguloth's run on the right flank created an opening, allowing Ikwaput to score despite the goalkeeper's efforts to intervene, securing the lead for East Bengal.

With this win, East Bengal has maintained a flawless record, winning all eight of their matches and accumulating 24 points, firmly placing them at the top of the league table. Sethu FC, currently in second place, trails by eight points, having played the same number of games.

Gokulam Kerala Breaks Winless Streak with Strong Performance

Gokulam Kerala FC ended their three-match winless streak with a commanding 3-0 victory against SESA Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground. The team dominated possession and found the net just before halftime when goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu initiated a play that led to Asem Roja Devi scoring with a well-placed shot from distance.

In the 79th minute, Emueje Ogbiagbevha extended the lead after a combination with winger Shilji Shaji, who later scored the third goal in the 87th minute from a tight angle. This victory lifted Gokulam Kerala to sixth place in the league, moving them further away from the relegation zone with 10 points from eight matches, while SESA remains at the bottom with just one point.

Sribhumi FC Stages Comeback to Draw with Garhwal United

In another match, Sribhumi FC managed to come back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. Garhwal took an early lead in the sixth minute through Esther Tingjoukim, who capitalized on a goalkeeping mistake during a corner. Elizabeth Danso doubled the lead shortly after.

However, Sribhumi responded in the second half, with Sibani Devi converting a penalty in the 71st minute after Veronica Appiah was fouled in the box. They equalized nine minutes later when Rimpa Haldar scored with a long-range shot, completing the comeback.

Nita FA and Kickstart FC Share Points in 1-1 Draw

Earlier in the day, Nita Football Academy faced Kickstart FC, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The first half saw both teams evenly matched, but the second half brought a breakthrough for Nita FA through a counter-attack initiated by Mariyammal Balamurugan, leading to a goal from Kiran Pisda.

Kickstart FC equalized late in the game when Matilda Kwao's cross led to an own goal by defender Aruna Bag, ensuring both teams left with a point. Nita FA remains third in the IWL standings with 14 points from eight matches, while Kickstart FC struggles in seventh place with seven points.