January 10, 2025 – East Bengal FC Ground, Kolkata: The Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2024-25 season kicked off in style as East Bengal FC displayed a stellar performance on their home turf, securing a 2-0 victory over Kickstart FC in the opening match at the iconic East Bengal Ground.

The Red and Gold Brigade showcased their dominance, with goals from star recruits Sandhiya Ranganathan and Uganda’s Resty Nanziri, earning them three valuable points. East Bengal led 1-0 at halftime, thanks to Sandhiya’s opportunistic header, before sealing the win with a second-half strike from Resty.

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Cautious Start, Commanding Finish

With both teams featuring several national team stars, the match began cautiously. However, East Bengal gradually asserted control over the midfield, with standout performances from Resty Nanziri and Anju Tamang, who orchestrated play effectively and exploited gaps in the rival defense.

India international Soumya Guguloth was instrumental in the opening goal. In the 22nd minute, her looping cross from the right found Sulanjana Raul, whose powerful header struck the crossbar. Sandhiya capitalized on the rebound with a perfectly timed header, leaving Kickstart goalkeeper Maibam Linthoingambi Devi helpless.

Second-Half Magic

The second half saw East Bengal FC double their lead just four minutes in. Resty Nanziri, who had been relentless in her efforts, broke through Kickstart’s left flank and fired a low shot into the near post, securing the game for her team.

Kickstart, hailing from Bengaluru, showed glimpses of their potential but struggled to breach East Bengal’s solid defense. Their attempts rarely troubled the home side beyond the 25-yard mark, as East Bengal’s backline remained resolute.

Looking Ahead

The victory not only marks a dream start for East Bengal in this season’s IWL but also sets the tone for a competitive campaign. With their strong squad and commanding performance, the Red and Gold Brigade looks poised to be a formidable contender in the tournament.

Kickstart FC, despite the loss, will aim to regroup and showcase their capabilities in the upcoming matches.

The East Bengal FC faithful, who packed the historic ground, left with smiles, celebrating their team’s emphatic opening day success. The IWL is off to a thrilling start, promising more exciting football in the weeks to come.

Match highlights East Bengal FC vs Kickstart FC

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