IWL 2025-26: Kickstart Stun East Bengal as IWL Delivers Another Dramatic Matchday

The IWL 2025-26 continues to produce compelling narratives, and Wednesday’s action added another dramatic chapter as defending champions East Bengal FC saw their remarkable winning streak come to an end. 

In a day defined by comebacks, dominant attacking displays, and late drama, Kickstart FC Karnataka emerged as the biggest story, while Gokulam Kerala FC underlined their attacking prowess with a six-goal performance. At the East Bengal Ground, the defending champions entered the contest riding a perfect run, having won all nine of their previous matches. The Moshal Girls looked set to extend that streak when Fazila Ikwaput gave them an early lead in the seventh minute. The move itself reflected East Bengal’s attacking cohesion, with Resty Nanziri breaking forward before unselfishly setting up Ikwaput, who finished with confidence from close range.

However, what followed was a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in football. Kickstart responded within nine minutes, capitalising on a defensive lapse. A long ball into the East Bengal penalty area resulted in confusion between goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu and defender Ashalata Devi, and Emem Peace Essien reacted quickest to slot home the equaliser. It was a goal born out of alertness, but equally one that exposed rare vulnerability in East Bengal’s otherwise disciplined setup.

The match then took an unexpected turn as severe weather conditions forced a lengthy interruption. When play resumed, the rhythm of the game changed noticeably. The surface became tricky, and both teams had to adjust their approach, focusing more on direct play and physical duels in midfield.

It was in these conditions that Kickstart found their decisive moment. In the 58th minute, Th Babysana Devi produced a strike of exceptional quality, curling the ball from distance into the net with precision and power. It was the kind of goal that not only changes the scoreline but also shifts the psychological balance of a contest. From that point onward, East Bengal pushed aggressively in search of an equaliser, but Kickstart’s defensive unit held firm under sustained pressure to secure a significant 2-1 victory.

The result not only ended East Bengal’s unbeaten run but also injected fresh intrigue into the title race, suggesting that the league remains far from a foregone conclusion. Elsewhere, Gokulam Kerala FC delivered one of the most dominant attacking performances of the season with a 6-2 win over Garhwal United FC. The match began as an evenly contested affair, with both sides trading goals in an open first half. Emueje Ogbiagbevha gave Gokulam the early lead, only for Garhwal to respond through Sanfida Nongrum. Theertha Lakshmi restored Gokulam’s advantage, but once again Garhwal found a reply, this time through Shruti Kumari.

At 2-2, the game was finely poised, but Gokulam’s attacking depth began to tell. Ogbiagbevha struck again before the break to give her side a narrow lead, and the second half saw a complete shift in control. Gokulam dominated proceedings, adding three more goals through Muskan Subba, Th Sahena, and Priyanka Kashyap to complete a comprehensive victory. The late goals in stoppage time highlighted both their fitness levels and their relentless attacking intent.

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Another match that showcased the unpredictable nature of the league saw Sribhumi FC fight back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against SESA Football Academy. After trailing at half-time due to Bertha Omita’s strike, Sribhumi responded immediately through Bala Devi early in the second half. SESA regained the lead through Aniela Barretto, but Bala Devi once again stepped up, scoring in the 84th minute to secure a valuable point. Her performance underscored her experience and importance in high-pressure moments.

The final game of the day featured yet another comeback, this time from Sethu FC, who overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Nita Football Academy 3-1. Nita had taken the lead through Neha and looked comfortable heading into the break, but the introduction of Malavika P proved decisive. She equalised in the 69th minute before Ruchi gave Sethu the lead shortly after. Malavika then completed her brace to seal the result, capping off a dominant second-half display. Taken together, the day’s results highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Indian Women’s League. The gap between teams is narrowing, and no side, not even the defending champions, can afford lapses in concentration.

For East Bengal, the defeat serves as a timely reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. For Kickstart, it is a statement victory that could define their campaign. And for the league as a whole, it was another day that reinforced why this season remains one of the most open and engaging in recent years.