Kolkata, May 12: East Bengal Women became the successful defending champions of the Indian Women’s League after beating Nita FA 2–0 on Tuesday evening at the East Bengal Ground. With the victory, they secured the title with two matches still remaining in the season.
The match started with an unfortunate moment as, in the 3rd minute, Susmita Lepcha got into a tussle with Kioko on the right flank during a build-up play and suffered a serious injury. She immediately required medical attention due to a hand dislocation, and Astham Oraon came on as her replacement.
In the 17th minute, the Moshal Girls almost took the lead, though Nita FA stayed alert to avoid conceding. Fazila attempted a shot from the right side of the box which Adrija initially gathered but the ball slipped out from her hands. However, before any Red and Gold shirt could capitalise on it, Juli Kishan made an impactful clearance.
However, by the 25th minute of the match, East Bengal took the lead. Once again, Ashalata Devi delivered a precise through ball, and Soumya timed her run perfectly before chipping the ball into the net from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.
However, another injury-forced change took place in the match, this time for Nita FA, as Kioko had to be substituted in the 33rd minute, with Babita coming on to replace her.
The defining moment of the match came in the 65th minute when East Bengal Women scored their second goal to seal the victory and stamp their name on the trophy. A familiar name once again appeared on the scoresheet, not as the scorer but as the provider, Fazila. With an assist from Fazila, Soumya completed her brace, while East Bengal Women celebrated a brace of their own with another league title.
Last year, East Bengal women’s sealed the trophy with one match remaining and finished with 37 points. This year, they have the chance to redefine their own story, as two matches are still left to play one against Garhwal on 15 May and the final clash, the derby against Sribhumi FC, on 18 May. If they win both upcoming matches, their points tally could rise to 39, as they currently stand on 33 points.
East Bengal Women once again proved why they are the best team in the league, defending their crown with authority and consistency throughout the season. While the title has already been secured, the journey is still not over for the Moshal Girls. With two matches remaining, and again Asia is calling.
IWL 2025-26 – East Bengal FC vs Nita FA highlights
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