East Bengal Maintain Perfect Run as IWL Title Charge Gathers Momentum

East Bengal FC Women continued their flawless campaign in the Indian Women’s League 2025-26, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC Women to extend their unbeaten run and remain firmly at the top of the table.

With this win, the Kolkata-based side now sit on 27 points, maintaining a perfect record and reinforcing their status as the team to beat this season.

The match at the East Bengal Ground saw striker Fazila Ikwaput once again emerge as the difference-maker. The forward struck twice in the 6th and 65th minutes to guide her side to another crucial three points. East Bengal made an immediate impact in the game.

Within the opening six minutes, Ikwaput capitalised on a long ball over the defence, displaying excellent composure to chip the ball over the advancing goalkeeper with a controlled volley from distance. The early goal allowed East Bengal to dictate proceedings and settle into their rhythm. The hosts controlled possession for much of the first half, circulating the ball effectively and limiting Gokulam Kerala’s attacking opportunities. While the visitors had moments of possession, they struggled to create clear chances and failed to seriously test goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu before the break.

East Bengal’s dominance was rewarded again in the second half.

In the 65th minute, Resty Nanziri made a decisive run down the left flank before cutting inside and finding Ikwaput in space. The striker finished clinically into the bottom corner to double the lead and put East Bengal in a commanding position. However, Gokulam Kerala responded quickly.

Just five minutes later, a defensive lapse from East Bengal allowed the visitors back into the contest. From a corner, goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu spilled the ball under pressure, and Shubhangi Singh reacted quickest to slot home from close range. The goal injected some late tension into the match, but East Bengal held firm defensively to secure the victory and continue their winning streak.

Elsewhere in the league, SETHU FC strengthened their hold on second place with a 2-1 win over Sribhumi FC. SETHU made a strong start, taking the lead in the 12th minute through Sumati Kumari, who headed home from a well-delivered long ball by Nirmala Devi. The advantage was extended soon after when S Lynda Kom capitalised on a rebound inside the box following an initial save by goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/east-bengal-maintain-perfect-run-gokulam-kerala-return-to-winning-ways-in-iwl-2025-26

Sribhumi fought back before half-time, reducing the deficit through a penalty converted by Philomena Abakah after Veronica Appiah was brought down inside the area. Despite a competitive second half with chances at both ends, SETHU held on to secure all three points and move to 19 points from nine matches.

In another fixture, Kickstart FC Karnataka delivered a convincing 3-0 victory over SESA Football Academy. Kickstart opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Emem Peace Essien finished from close range following a cross from Kiran Pisda. The lead was doubled in the 27th minute as Saru Limbu found the bottom corner after a driving run forward. The match was effectively sealed in the 66th minute when Essien was fouled inside the box, earning a penalty that TH Babysana Devi converted with confidence. The win lifts Kickstart to sixth place with 10 points, while SESA continue to struggle at the bottom of the table with just one point.

Meanwhile, Nita Football Academy and Garhwal United FC played out a goalless draw at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence. Despite both teams creating opportunities, neither side was able to find a breakthrough, resulting in a share of the points. Nita FA remain third in the standings with 15 points, while Garhwal sit seventh with eight.

As the league progresses into its decisive phase, East Bengal’s consistency continues to set them apart. Their ability to control games, convert key chances and maintain defensive discipline has made them the most complete side in the competition so far. With Fazila Ikwaput leading the attack in impressive form, the Moshal Girls look increasingly difficult to stop.

For the chasing pack, including SETHU FC, the gap at the top continues to widen.

Unless East Bengal’s momentum is halted soon, the title race could begin to slip out of reach for the rest of the league.