Kolkata, January 9: East Bengal Women showcased a commanding performance to defeat Gokulam Kerala FC 3–0 in the Indian Women’s League 2025–26 on Friday afternoon at the Kalyani Stadium, ending the first phase of the season at the top of the table with domination.
The Moshal Girls began the contest with high intensity. Their intent was evident as early as the second minute, when Fazila Ikwaput found space after breaking past the Gokulam defence. The striker unleashed a powerful long grounder, but the effort narrowly missed the target.
Despite the early scare, Gokulam Kerala tried to settle into the match by slowing down the tempo and building from midfield. However, East Bengal’s compact shape and quick transitions made it difficult for the former champions to create clear chances.
East Bengal women suffered an early disruption in the 20th minute when defender Sweety Devi was forced off after picking up an injury to her left leg. Ashalata Devi come over her.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 35th minute after sustained pressure from East Bengal women. Astam Oraon, inside the box, showed great awareness to pick out Fazila with a precise pass. Fazila finished clinically, sending the ball into the net to give East Bengal a deserved 1–0 lead.
The second half saw East Bengal raise the tempo even further. Their attacking movements became sharper, and the pressure eventually paid off again in the 55th minute. From a corner taken on the right, Ashalata Devi delivered a low ball towards the second post. Resty Nanziri reacted quickest and got a close-range touch. Although the goalkeeper initially appeared to hold the ball, it had already crossed the goal line, doubling Moshal girls advantage to 2–0.
With the two-goal cushion, East Bengal continued to control proceedings, and their final and third goal came in the 77th minute. Resty played a back pass to Sarita, who sent a cross from the right flank. Sulanjana was in position and headed the ball towards goal. The goalkeeper attempted a casual save but failed to gather the ball, which slipped into the net to seal the contest at 3–0.
The final whistle confirmed a dominant outing for East Bengal Women, who showcased both attacking flair and defensive solidity throughout the match.
With this victory, East Bengal Women conclude the first phase of the Indian Women’s League 2025–26 at the top of the standings, having scored 24 goals, collected 18 points, and registered five clean sheets from six matches. The performance against Gokulam Kerala side further underlined their title credentials as they head confidently into the next phase of the competition.
Indian Women’s League 2025–26: Gokulam Kerala FC vs East Bengal FC
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