East Bengal Maintain Perfect Run, Gokulam Kerala Return to Winning Ways in IWL 2025-26
East Bengal FC continued their flawless march in the IWL 2025-26 with another narrow but crucial victory, while Gokulam Kerala FC climbed further away from the relegation zone after returning to winning ways on an eventful Thursday in Kolkata.
The day also saw dramatic comebacks and tightly contested draws as Sribhumi FC fought back from two goals down against Garhwal United FC, while Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC Karnataka shared the points. Defending champions East Bengal FC maintained their perfect record in the league with a hard-fought 1-0 win over former champions SETHU FC at the East Bengal Ground.
In what was expected to be one of the toughest tests of their campaign so far, the Moshal Girls once again demonstrated their defensive discipline and attacking efficiency under pressure.
The decisive moment came in the 64th minute through the league’s leading scorer Fazila Ikwaput. The move began with Resty Nanziri combining smartly with Ikwaput and Soumya Guguloth during a rapid attacking transition. Guguloth’s movement on the right flank opened space inside the box, and despite pressure from the advancing goalkeeper, Ikwaput reacted quickest to apply the finishing touch.
The Ugandan striker’s goal proved enough to separate the two sides in a tense contest. East Bengal then showed maturity in the closing stages, defending compactly and limiting SETHU’s opportunities to find an equaliser. The victory extended East Bengal’s unbeaten run to eight matches from eight games, giving them a perfect tally of 24 points. More significantly, they now sit eight points clear of second-placed SETHU FC despite both teams having played the same number of matches.
With only two goals conceded all season and a consistently clinical attack, East Bengal continue to establish themselves as clear title favourites.
Gokulam Kerala FC finally ended their three-match winless streak with a convincing 3-0 victory over SESA Football Academy. The Malabarians entered the contest under pressure after slipping closer toward the relegation battle in recent weeks, but produced one of their most complete performances of the campaign. Despite SESA’s disciplined defensive shape for large periods of the first half, Gokulam controlled possession and dictated the tempo of the match.
Their breakthrough arrived deep into first-half stoppage time following a well-constructed team move. Goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu initiated the attack from the back before Shubhangi Singh and Emueje Ogbiagbevha combined effectively to release Roja Devi in space. The forward then produced a composed lofted finish from distance to give Gokulam a deserved lead.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Gokulam continuing to dominate proceedings. In the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the advantage after linking up neatly with winger Shilji Shaji. The Nigerian forward remained influential throughout the game with her movement and hold-up play causing repeated problems for the SESA defence.
Shilji then added the third goal in the 87th minute with a confident finish from a tight angle, sealing an important victory for the Kerala side. The result lifts Gokulam Kerala to sixth place in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches, while SESA Football Academy remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point.
At the AIFF National Centre of Excellence, Sribhumi FC produced an impressive second-half recovery to secure a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC. Garhwal appeared to be in complete control early in the game after scoring twice within the opening eight minutes. Midfielder Esther Tingjoukim opened the scoring in the sixth minute after capitalising on a goalkeeping error during a corner situation. Just two minutes later, Elizabeth Danso doubled the lead after winning possession high up the pitch and finishing clinically. Sribhumi struggled initially but responded with greater attacking intent after the break.
Their comeback began in the 71st minute when Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi converted from the penalty spot after Veronica Appiah was brought down inside the area. The equaliser arrived nine minutes later through a superb strike from Nameirakpam Arina Devi. After combining with substitute Rimpa Haldar on the right flank, Arina controlled the ball before firing a long-range effort into the far corner to complete the comeback.
The result ensured Sribhumi rescued a valuable point after an extremely difficult start.
Earlier in the day, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC Karnataka played out a competitive 1-1 draw. The first half remained evenly contested, with both sides struggling to create clear openings. Kickstart eventually broke the deadlock shortly after halftime through an excellent counter-attacking move. Mariyammal Balamurugan started the attack before combining with Emem Peace Essien and Saru Limbu. The move ended with Kiran Pisda finishing first-time from inside the box.
Nita FA pushed aggressively for an equaliser in the closing stages and eventually found one through pressure down the flanks. Winger Matilda Kwao delivered a dangerous cross into the area that resulted in an unfortunate own goal from Kickstart defender Aruna Bag in the 85th minute. The draw keeps Nita Football Academy in third place with 14 points from eight matches, while Kickstart remain seventh with seven points.
As the league enters its decisive phase, the table is beginning to separate into distinct battles. East Bengal continue to dominate the title race with their flawless start, while SETHU remain their closest challengers despite falling further behind. Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala’s victory could prove crucial in the relegation battle, with SESA Football Academy and Kickstart FC still struggling near the bottom.
With only a handful of matches remaining, every point now carries increasing significance in both the title race and the fight for survival.
Comments (0)
to post comments, replies, and votes.
Loading comments…
.jpg)