In the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2023–24 season, East Bengal FC and Sports Odisha fought to a draw in a hotly contested match on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the East Bengal Ground. After a scoreless draw, both teams were vying for vital points to improve their league standings.
It was clear right away that both teams were approaching the game cautiously and evaluating each other’s tactics. But as the game went on, the Red and Gold Brigade gradually settled into a rhythm, controlling possession and making more frequent trips into the final third.
Deepa Nayak nearly connected with a cross, sending her header just over the bar, giving Sports Odisha, who were equally focused on winning, their first real scoring opportunity. Odisha remained steadfast in defense, thwarting their opponent’s attempts to breach their backline despite East Bengal’s territorial advantage.
The debut of Sanjida Akhter, EB’s first foreign acquisition, who gave their attacking play a new dimension, was one of the game’s highlights. In the 33rd minute, Akhter showed off her skills with a swerving attempt on goal that narrowly missed the mark, indicating her desire to have an impact for her new team.
Amrita Jaishi’s long-range attempt to break the deadlock as the first half went on for Sports Odisha was easily saved by East Bengal’s goalkeeper Keisham Melody. Both teams were keen to take the lead in the second half as the game remained evenly balanced at the half.
In an attempt to snap a five-game losing streak, EB introduced Sushmita Bardhan and Puja Karmakar as attacking substitutions early in the second half to increase their offensive capability. They made a determined effort, but they were unable to score from their opportunities, and as a result, they have now only scored one goal in their last four games.
Encouraged by their strong defensive performance, Sports Odisha persisted in frustrating East Bengal’s offensive attempts, keeping their defensive shape and keeping their opponents from having any real chances to score goals. Building on their recent success, Paromita Sit’s team achieved their first clean sheet of the year after a string of strong defensive showings.
Even though the game was intense, in the last few minutes of play, neither team was able to take advantage of their respective opportunities. The game ended in a goalless draw thanks to a crucial save made by East Bengal’s goalkeeper Keisham Melody against Odisha’s Sumitra Hembram.
For different reasons, both teams found the draw to be a valuable point. It put an end to EB’s losing streak and gave them a foundation on which to improve for their next games. Conversely, Sports Odisha maintained their unbeaten record, extending their run of draws to two after a 1-1 draw with HOPS two weeks earlier.
Looking ahead, EB will welcome Kickstart FC on February 5 in an attempt to build on their stronger showing and earn a much-needed win. On February 4, Odisha will make their way back to Bhubaneswar to take on league leaders Odisha FC with the goal of preserving their strong defensive record and moving up the standings.
In conclusion, the goalless draw between Sports Odisha and East Bengal FC demonstrated the fierce competition in the Indian Women’s League, as both sides showed tenacity and fortitude throughout the game. Even though neither team won, the outcome demonstrated the equality and unpredictable nature of women’s football and created an exciting environment for the remaining games of the season.
East Bengal Starting XI
Melody Chanu (GK), Trisha Mallick (C), Michel Castanha, Seema, Kispotta, Sarita Yumnam, Prameshwori Devi, Binomala Chanu, Mamata Mahata, Sanjida Akhter, K Margaret Devi, Tulsi Hembram
Sports Odisha Starting XI
Adrija (GK), Ratna, Amrita, Sumitra, Munica (C), Rashmi, Manisha, Janhabi, Ambruta, Deepa, Shibani
