East Bengal took a massive step toward securing the IWL 2024-25 title with a dominant 6-1 victory over HOPS FC at the Kalyani Stadium on Monday, March 31, 2025. The Red and Golds led 3-0 at halftime and continued their relentless attack in the second half to extend their winning streak.
Six Different Scorers Lead East Bengal to Victory
The match began in emphatic fashion as Soumya Guguloth made an immediate impact, finding the net within just three minutes. The winger drove into the box and unleashed a precise right-footed strike, curling the ball into the bottom-left corner to give Moshal Girls an early advantage.
Just four minutes later, Sandhiya Ranganathan doubled the lead in an unexpected manner. Attempting a cross from the left wing, her delivery swerved in the air and dipped at the last moment, sailing past everyone and landing in the net.
The Red and Golds were relentless in their attack, and by the 11th minute, Maurine Achieng added a spectacular third goal. The forward took a shot from outside the box, rocketing a right-footed effort into the top-right corner, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
Second-Half Onslaught Seals the Win
Despite holding a comfortable lead, East Bengal showed no intention of slowing down. Karthika Angamuthu extended the advantage in the 54th minute with a stunning free-kick. Standing over the ball just outside the box, she curled a powerful strike into the top corner, sending the crowd into raptures.
HOPS FC managed to pull one back in the 58th minute through their captain, Gladys Amfobea, who confidently converted a penalty. However, their hopes of a comeback were short-lived as East Bengal struck twice in stoppage time.
Resty Nanziri capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 92nd minute to slot home the fifth goal before Elshaddai Acheampong added the finishing touch a minute later, ensuring a resounding 6-1 triumph for the league leaders.
Title Race and League Standings
With this victory, East Bengal cemented their place at the top of the IWL table, amassing 30 points from 11 matches. They now need just two more wins to secure the league title. Meanwhile, relegation-threatened HOPS remain in a precarious position with only five points from the same number of games.
East Bengal’s next fixture will be crucial in their quest for the championship, and their recent form suggests they are well on track to lift the IWL 2024-25 trophy.
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