On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Laishram Bibicha Devi proved to be Kickstart FC’s hero as they defeated the formidable Sethu FC in a thrilling match at the Tilak Maidan. Kickstart FC’s lone goal, scored in the 77th minute, not only secured the victory but also sent them back to the top of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) standings with an outstanding 13 points from five games.
There were few obvious opportunities in the game as both sides battled to establish control in the midfield, making it a tactical struggle. There was a standoff for the first fifteen minutes as neither side was able to generate any meaningful opportunities.
The opposition goalkeeper easily collected the first noteworthy effort on goal, which was made by Kickstart’s Sushmita in the thirtyth minute. In the 36th minute, Jabamani Tudu unleashed a powerful long-range freekick that struck the crossbar, demonstrating Sethu FC’s spirited response. Even with a second effort from Kaviya in the forty-twoth minute, neither goalie faced much opposition as the first half came to an end.
Sethu took the lead in the second half, attacking Kickstart’s defense nonstop from the flanks in the first five minutes of the half. The game’s pivotal moment occurred when Kaviya’s shot hit the crossbar, placing Apurna Narzary in a position of great advantage. To the dismay of Sethu’s supporters, Narzary wasted a fantastic opportunity by failing to convert the easy tap-in from close range.
This missed opportunity proved crucial because in the 77th minute, Laishram Bibicha Devi took advantage of it and broke the tie with a cool finish that went past Maibam Devi, the goalkeeper for Sethu FC. Kickstart took the lead thanks to Bibicha’s brilliant goal, which also helped them win the vital three points.
Sethu made a strong effort to rally and score an equalizer, but Bibicha’s goal proved to be too much to overcome. In the final moments of the game, Kickstart FC’s defense stood strong, preventing Sethu from having any clear-cut opportunities.
With this triumph, Kickstart took back the top spot in the IWL standings, demonstrating their tenacity and excellence in a very competitive league. The team’s performance demonstrated their ability to remain composed under pressure, especially in the face of Sethu FC’s valiant efforts.
Conversely, with seven points, Sethu FC is in fourth position, just ahead of Hops FC. Sethu will surely be motivated to regroup and correct any shortcomings as they aim for a better position in the league by the close loss.
The game at Tilak Maidan brought to light how erratic football can be—a single flash of genius or a squandered chance can change the outcome of a match. As the IWL season goes on, teams will be fighting for supremacy and individual players will be trying to make an impression on the league, making for an exciting and dramatic competition.
In summary, Laishram Bibicha Devi’s game-winning goal not only gave Kickstart FC the victory, but it also opened a new chapter in the Indian Women’s League’s evolving story. The league’s intensity and unpredictable play continue to enthrall spectators, elevating each game to a spectacle and solidifying women’s football’s status as a major player in the sports world.
Kickstart FC Starting XI
Linthoi (GK), Linthoi, Jabamani, Pakpi, Supriya, Karishma, Preeti, Lepcha, Dalima (C), Dipa, Aruna
Sethu FC Starting XI
Anjila (GK) (C), Purnima, Nirmala, Ngopawdi, Sonali, Kaviya, Gita, Babina, Priyagka, Kajol, Apurna
