Juanita Aguadze's brace powers Sethu Madurai to winning start in Lxme IWL 2026-27

Sethu Madurai began their Lxme Indian Women's League (IWL) 2026-27 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kickstart FC Karnataka at the Kalyani Stadium on Saturday. 

Ghanaian forward Juanita Aguadze scored twice, including a second-half penalty, to secure all three points for Sethu in a closely contested southern derby.

Juanita was at the centre of all three goals in the match. She opened the scoring in the 18th minute with an excellent finish, but six minutes later turned the ball into her own net to allow Kickstart to equalise. The forward recovered from that setback to win and convert the penalty that ultimately decided the contest in the 67th minute.

The result gave Sethu an encouraging start to their league campaign, while Kickstart were left to reflect on missed opportunities after enjoying a positive spell in the opening stages.

Sethu strike despite Kickstart's early control

Kickstart FC Karnataka began the match with greater control of possession, using neat combinations in midfield to build their attacks. Their movement and passing helped them make early progress, although they struggled to translate that control into a decisive opportunity in front of goal.

Sethu, meanwhile, looked dangerous when transitioning quickly from defence to attack. Captain Malavika was particularly influential in these moments, using the right flank to create openings and put pressure on the Kickstart defence.

The breakthrough came in the 18th minute through that attacking approach. Malavika picked out Juanita with a well-directed pass, and the Ghanaian forward made no mistake, driving her effort into the top corner to give Sethu a 1-0 lead.

Kickstart responded quickly and were back on level terms just six minutes later. A corner created danger inside the Sethu penalty area, and Juanita inadvertently turned the ball into her own net in the 24th minute. The unfortunate own goal made it 1-1 and brought Kickstart back into the contest.

The two sides settled into a more balanced exchange after the goals. Possession was shared almost equally, with both teams looking to create opportunities through their midfield play. There were half-chances at either end, but neither side could find another breakthrough before half-time.

Juanita makes the difference from the penalty spot

Sethu returned for the second half with greater intensity and looked more determined to take control of the match. Juanita was once again central to their attacking efforts, finding opportunities to threaten the Kickstart goal.

The forward had a couple of chances to restore Sethu's lead, but Kickstart goalkeeper Aiswarya Arumugam stood firm and denied her on both occasions. Her interventions kept the score level and gave Kickstart an opportunity to remain in the contest.

However, Juanita's persistence eventually produced the decisive moment. In the 67th minute, she embarked on a powerful run down the left flank, driving into the attacking third. The move resulted in Musken Subba being brought down inside the penalty area, giving Sethu the opportunity to regain the lead from the spot.

Juanita stepped up and converted the penalty confidently, completing her brace and making it 2-1. Having scored at both ends earlier in the match, she had now delivered the goal that put Sethu in control.

The penalty also reflected Sethu's improved attacking intent after the interval. Their willingness to push forward and take on defenders created the situation that ultimately separated the teams.

Sethu hold firm as Kickstart search for an equaliser

With the lead restored, Sethu continued to press for a third goal that could have put the result beyond doubt. They created further opportunities, but lacked the final touch to extend their advantage.

Kickstart, facing the prospect of opening their campaign with a defeat, pushed more players forward as the clock ran down. Their search for an equaliser, however, was met by a disciplined Sethu defensive unit that remained organised and composed under pressure.

Nira Chanu came closest to rescuing a point for Kickstart with a long-range attempt, but the effort did not produce the equaliser they needed. Sethu managed the closing stages effectively, limiting the visitors' opportunities and protecting their narrow advantage until the final whistle.

The 2-1 victory gave Sethu Madurai three valuable points in their opening fixture. For Juanita, the match was a mixture of contrasting moments: an early goal, an unfortunate own goal and, ultimately, a decisive penalty that secured the win. Her ability to respond after the own goal proved crucial to Sethu's successful start.

Kickstart, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their early possession and attacking combinations, but will need greater efficiency in the final third after failing to convert their periods of control into enough clear-cut chances.

IWL action continues on November 16

The Lxme Indian Women's League 2026-27 continues on Monday, November 16, with NITA Football Academy taking on BBFS Garhwal United FC at the Kalyani Stadium.

All 56 matches of the season will be streamed live on the league's official YouTube channel, Lxme Indian Women's League Official, allowing supporters across the country to follow the competition. Fans can also follow league updates through @iwlofficial on Instagram and @OfficialIWL on X.

Sethu's opening-day victory adds an early result to the developing league campaign, while the next round of fixtures will offer the remaining teams further opportunities to establish themselves in the competition.