East Bengal Extend IWL Lead with Dominant 6-0 Win as Title Charge Gathers Momentum

East Bengal strengthened their grip on the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2025–26 title race with a commanding 6-0 victory over SESA Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata. 

The result not only highlighted their attacking depth but also extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points after Round 11. With 30 points from 11 matches, East Bengal now sit comfortably ahead of second-placed Sethu FC, who remain on 22 points despite their own narrow defeat this round. The gap at the top is beginning to take shape as a decisive advantage, particularly with East Bengal showing consistency both in results and goal-scoring output.

The Moshal Girls once again delivered a complete performance, combining control in possession with clinical finishing in the final third. Six different goal contributions, including a brace from Karthika Angamuthu, underlined the balance in their attack. The breakthrough came in the 14th minute, stemming from sustained pressure in the attacking third. SESA failed to clear their lines, and Angamuthu reacted quickest to a loose ball outside the box. Her long-range strike found the net cleanly, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided contest.

East Bengal maintained control of the tempo, dictating play through midfield and stretching SESA’s defensive structure. The second goal arrived in the 28th minute, once again through Angamuthu. After Fazila Ikwaput was fouled just outside the penalty area, the midfielder stepped up to deliver a well-placed free-kick. The effort was struck towards the top-right corner, and despite a touch from goalkeeper Monger Sangita, the ball crossed the line. At 2-0, the hosts were firmly in control, while SESA struggled to create meaningful chances. Their only notable attempt in the first half came in the 35th minute when Maurine Achieng tried her luck from distance, but the effort lacked power and was comfortably handled by East Bengal goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu.

The game was effectively decided in first-half stoppage time, when East Bengal added two more goals in quick succession. Soumya Guguloth made it 3-0 in the 45+1st minute, producing a composed finish after weaving through defenders at the edge of the box. Her ability to navigate tight spaces and maintain control under pressure reflected the attacking confidence within the side.

Just three minutes later, Sushmita Lepcha extended the lead to 4-0. A precise cross from Loitongbam Ashalata Devi on the right flank found Lepcha, who rose above her marker to head home. The goal highlighted East Bengal’s ability to vary their attacking approach, combining central combinations with effective use of width. With a four-goal cushion at halftime, the second half became an exercise in control. East Bengal continued to dominate possession, limiting SESA to defensive phases and occasional counter-attacks. Their structured build-up ensured that the tempo remained firmly in their favour.

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The fifth goal arrived in the 70th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse from SESA. A misplaced pass at the back allowed Ikwaput to intercept and drive into the box. She finished with composure, further emphasising East Bengal’s ability to punish errors. Resty Nanziri completed the scoring in the 87th minute with an effort that combined intent and fortune. Cutting in from the right, her attempt appeared to be a cross towards the far post but ended up finding the net after a touch off the upright. The goal capped off a dominant display and underlined the attacking variety within the squad.

Elsewhere in Round 11, the results added further context to the evolving league table. At the National Centre of Excellence, Kickstart FC Karnataka secured a narrow 1-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC, strengthening their position in the top four. Sribhumi Football Club and Nita Football Academy played out a high-scoring 3-3 draw, while Garhwal United FC registered a 2-1 victory over Sethu FC. These results have tightened the race for the top four positions, with Nita and Kickstart both on 16 points in third and fourth place respectively. Gokulam Kerala and Sribhumi follow with 13 and 12 points, while Garhwal United have moved slightly away from the bottom despite remaining in seventh place with 12 points. SESA, with just two points, continue to struggle at the foot of the table.

From a tactical perspective, East Bengal’s performance stood out for its balance. Their midfield control allowed them to dictate phases of play, while their attacking unit demonstrated both efficiency and variety. Defensively, they remained compact, ensuring that SESA had minimal opportunities to test their structure.

As the league progresses into its final stages, East Bengal’s eight-point lead positions them strongly in the title race. However, maintaining consistency will remain key, particularly with several rounds still to play.

For now, their performance against SESA serves as a clear statement of intent. In a league where momentum can shift quickly, East Bengal have established both control and confidence two elements that could prove decisive in their pursuit of the title.