Kolkata, December 27: East Bengal FC Women continued their steady start to the Indian Women’s League 2025–26 with a 2–1 victory over newly promoted Garhwal United FC at the Kalyani Stadium, registering their second win of the campaign against the IWL 2 champions.
The Moshal Girls started on the front foot and created an early opening in the 6th minute. Soumya delivered a teasing cross from the right flank which Fazila controlled well inside the box before unleashing a shot that sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
Garhwal United were tested again in the 12th minute when Sulanjana from the left fired a low shot towards goal. Defender Linda reacted sharply to intercept and clear the danger, keeping the scoreline level.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 22nd minute. Soumya once again proved decisive, sending in a long, high cross from the right. Sulanjana timed her run perfectly and sent the ball into the net to give East Bengal Women a deserved 1–0 lead, a moment of quality built on vision and precise execution.
East Bengal nearly doubled their advantage before the break. In the 40th minute, Fazila found herself in a one-on-one situation and attempted a chip over the advancing Garhwal United goalkeeper. However, Ribanshi stood tall and produced a crucial save to keep her side in the contest.
After the restart, East Bengal continued to apply pressure and were rewarded in the 63rd minute. From a corner, Soumya rose to head the ball inside the box, and Fazila reacted quickest to slot it into the net, doubling the Moshal Girls lead to 2–0.
Garhwal United refused to back down and found a lifeline in the 72nd minute when Manisha Singh struck to reduce the deficit to 2–1, setting up a tense final phase of the match. Despite late pressure from the visitors, East Bengal defended resolutely to see out the win.
The result ensures East Bengal FC Women collect maximum points from their second fixture, while Garhwal United showed resilience and promise in their IWL debut season despite the defeat.
IWL 2025-26: East Bengal FC vs Garhwal United
Read more about Indian Women’s League
