Kolkata, March 26: The title defenders of the Calcutta Women’s Football League (Kanyashree Cup) 2026, East Bengal Women, got a victory in the derby clash against Sribhumi FC on Thursday at the East Bengal/Aryan Ground.
In the previous match against Moitri Sansad, East Bengal Women earned a bigger margin victory with a 13–0 scoreline, but in the derby clash against Sujata Kar’s Sribhumi FC, they got a 2–1 win, as the derby demanded a tight contest.
In the 18th minute, Rubina Khatun brought the lead for the Moshal Girls, but in the 37th minute, with a counter move, Karishma Purushattam equalised the score 1–1 for Sribhumi.
Both teams managed to play an attacking game, creating opportunities, but the Moshal Girls managed to dominate and utilise their chances. In the second half, captain Naorem Priyanka Devi scored the leading goal.
From a swift attack, Ashtam Oraon moved with the ball past the defenders and entered the box, released the ball towards the net, from where, inside the six-yard box on the left, Priyanka Devi placed the ball into the net.
As the women’s league is ongoing at the national and international levels, the situation has gained attention as newly appointed coach Amelia Valverde, who joined the Indian national women’s team before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, has parted ways with the nation, so India is looking for a new head coach.
It is in the air that the coach of East Bengal Women, Anthony Andrews, is one of the favourites to be appointed ahead of the FIFA Women’s Series. Though Anthony said it is grateful to be suggested, and if given the chance, he will do his best.
With working actively in women’s football in India, Anthony Andrews has already achieved the tag of one of the most successful coaches in Indian women’s football, with several trophies and four IWL Cups. He has also contributed to developing many players till now. From East Bengal Football Club, a dominant number of players have been selected for national campaigns in various categories. So, if the name Anthony Andrews comes out, it will not be a surprise, as he is one of the most deserving to serve in the role, having worked hard for years and built connections with the Blue Tigresses.
Also, the second phase of the IWL is knocking on the door within two weeks, and the senior team of the Moshal Girls has started preparing. In the next fixture of the Kanyashree Cup on 29 March, East Bengal Women will face Kalighat Sports Lovers Association.
East Bengal Women’s team Coach Anthony Andrews
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