The opening round of the Indian Women’s League IWL 2025–26 delivered exactly what the competition has promised over the years tight title-defining margins, emphatic statements from contenders, and early clues about who looks prepared for the long haul.
Across two venues in West Bengal, defending champions East Bengal FC edged past a stubborn Sethu FC, Sreebhumi FC stunned former champions Gokulam Kerala FC, and Nita Football Academy announced themselves with a ruthless display. Garhwal United FC, meanwhile, quietly went about their business to emerge as early pace-setters.
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At the Kalyani Stadium, defending champions East Bengal FC began their title defence with a narrow but crucial 1–0 victory over Sethu FC. On paper, it looked like a routine opener. On the pitch, it was anything but.
Sethu FC, known for their disciplined defensive structure, made East Bengal work for every inch. The first half saw the champions enjoy territorial control but struggle to convert possession into clear-cut chances. Sethu’s compact backline forced East Bengal wide, limiting penetration through the middle and frustrating their forwards for large spells.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute, and fittingly, it came through individual initiative. Forward Soumya Guguloth, one of East Bengal’s most reliable attackers, found space late in the game and finished clinically to tilt the contest. It was a goal that reflected patience as much as quality a hallmark of champion teams.
Fresh from winning the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship, East Bengal showed they may not always dominate games, but they know how to win them. In tournaments as long and competitive as the IWL, those one-goal victories often matter most.
Sreebhumi Make a Statement Against Gokulam
If East Bengal’s win was about control and timing, Sreebhumi FC’s performance was about authority.
Facing three-time champions Gokulam Kerala FC in their opener, the Kolkata-based side produced a commanding 4–0 victory that instantly altered early perceptions of the league hierarchy. From the opening whistle, Sreebhumi looked sharper, quicker, and more decisive in transition.
Captain Dangmei Grace set the tone early, scoring in the fourth minute to seize momentum. Her second goal in the 59th minute effectively ended the contest, but Sreebhumi were far from done. Rimpa Haldar added a third with a composed finish in the 66th minute, while Anju Chanu completed the rout in the 77th.
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For Gokulam Kerala FC, the defeat was a sobering reminder that pedigree alone will not guarantee results this season. For Sreebhumi, it was a performance that underlined depth, leadership, and attacking balance ingredients that can carry teams deep into the title race.
Over at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata, Nita Football Academy delivered the most emphatic result of the day, demolishing debutants Sesa Football Academy 6–1.
The scoreline reflected the gulf in experience, but also highlighted Nita FA’s attacking intent. Pyari Xaxa was the standout, scoring a hat-trick that showcased her movement, finishing, and confidence in front of goal. Amiratou N’Djambara added two goals of her own, while Bhumika Devi chipped in early to set the tone.
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Despite conceding six, Sesa FA found a late consolation through Diana Antwi in stoppage time a small positive in an otherwise difficult introduction to IWL football. For Nita FA, the performance sent a clear message: they are not here to ease into the league.
Garhwal United Set the Early Pace
While the spotlight largely fell on the bigger scorelines, Garhwal United FC quietly continued their strong start to the season. A 1–0 victory over Kickstart FC, courtesy of Lhingdeikim’s 79th-minute goal, secured their second win in as many matches.
It was not a flashy performance, but it was efficient. Having already beaten Sesa FA in the opening round, Garhwal United moved to the top of the standings with six points. Their ability to grind out results, especially in low-scoring games, could make them one of the most awkward opponents in the league.
After the opening set of matches, a few themes are already emerging. Defending champions East Bengal remain difficult to beat. Sreebhumi FC look like serious contenders rather than outsiders. Nita FA have attacking firepower capable of overwhelming weaker sides. And Garhwal United FC have mastered the art of consistency early on. With the league still in its infancy, the table will shift many times. But opening weeks often reveal mindset, preparation, and squad depth all of which were on display across Kolkata and Kalyani.
The IWL 2025–26 season has begun not with cautious draws, but with decisive statements. And if the first round is any indication, the race for the title will be as competitive as ever.
