After nearly 21 years without a league title in Indian football, East Bengal have finally ended the drought—this time through their women’s team. The Kolkata giants secured their maiden Indian Women’s League (IWL) title with a gritty 1-0 win over defending champions Odisha FC, a result that has not only sealed glory but also booked them a place in the 2025–26 AFC Women’s Club Championship.

The only goal of the match came in the 67th minute, courtesy of Soumya Guguloth, who latched onto a perfectly-weighted through ball from Anju Tamang to coolly slot it past the Odisha goalkeeper, Nandini.

East Bengal’s Dominance in the IWL 2024–25 Season

Now in their third season in the top tier of women’s football in India, East Bengal have been nearly flawless, registering wins against every team except Gokulam Kerala. Their final fixture against Gokulam, scheduled for April 18 in Kalyani, will not affect the title standings but gives them an opportunity to finish the season unbeaten against all opponents.

Despite their impressive run, East Bengal showed familiar struggles in the final third during the first half of this match. The trio of Maurine Achieng, Soumya Guguloth, and Elshaddai Acheampong failed to convert multiple chances. Achieng came closest when her header, off a cross from Sandhiya Ranganathan, was brilliantly saved by Nandini in the 35th minute.

Odisha FC on the Brink of Relegation

Odisha, who entered the match battling relegation, nearly took the lead themselves late in the first half. Pyari Xaxa had a golden opportunity but skied her effort with only Panthoi Chanu to beat. Moments later, both teams traded more chances, with Acheampong firing just wide and Xaxa’s header being cleared off the line by Karthika Angamuthu.

In the second half, Odisha pushed harder, clearly playing for survival. Xaxa missed yet another vital chance inside the six-yard box, failing to convert a loose ball from a corner. But their momentum was halted when substitute Anju Tamang changed the game’s tempo.

Returning from injury, Tamang made an immediate impact. After testing Nandini with a volley, she provided the assist for the decisive goal—cutting through Odisha’s backline to set up Guguloth’s match-winner.

A Champion’s Composure

While Odisha fought with urgency, East Bengal showed composure and control. With experienced players in the squad who have won league titles before, the hosts held on through the final minutes to claim a famous victory and the IWL crown.

Odisha’s defeat leaves their future in doubt, now reliant on results elsewhere to avoid relegation.

What’s Next?

East Bengal will be officially crowned IWL champions after their final league match on April 18, where they’ll face Gokulam Kerala. With the league wrapped up, attention now turns to Asia, as East Bengal prepare to represent India in continental women’s football for the first time.

Watch East Bengal vs Odisha FC highlights

Image Gallery

{"slidestoshow":3,"slidestoscroll":1,"dots":"true","arrows":"true","autoplay":"true","autoplay_interval":3000,"speed":300,"loop":"true","lazyload":""}