Kolkata, May 6: The Moshal Girls’ undefeated run has come to an end in the ongoing Indian Women’s Football League against Kickstart FC Karnataka. On Wednesday evening at the East Bengal ground, Kickstart FC secured a comeback 2–1 win over East Bengal Women to keep their fight alive in the league. Earlier, in February 2025, East Bengal Women had lost to Gokulam Kerala FC, and tonight’s defeat marks their first loss since then in the league.
The match started with its usual rhythm, and within the 6th minute, East Bengal Women took the lead through Fazila Ikwaput. Inside the box, Resty and Fazila played a one-two, and the ball ended up with Fazila, who sent it into the net, and with that one Fazila scored 16 goals so far in the ongoing league.
However, in the 16th minute, Kickstart got their equaliser by capitalising on an East Bengal Women’s defensive lapse. From a throw-in, Kickstart FC created the opportunity, but their build-up broke through the East Bengal defence. Ashalata Devi went to cover, while Panthoi Chanu came out to collect, but a miscommunication occurred, and Emem capitalised on the loose ball to slot it into the empty net.
After Kickstart’s equaliser, rain started, though the game continued. However, within a few minutes, it turned into heavy rain, making it difficult to play as it was unable to see in that much rain, and the match was stopped. It resumed after almost 25 minutes, from where it stopped.
In the 34th minute, East Bengal Women got their second goal, but it was disallowed as Resty was offside during the build-up.
However, in the second half, with a stunning long-range strike, Babysana stunned the Moshal Girls, handing them the defeat. Kickstart launched an attack in the 58th minute, but the move initially seemed ineffective as the ball came out of the box, however Babysana stepped up and capitalised on the loose ball and attempted a long shot, which went into the top corner of the net to give Kickstart a 2–1 lead.
The match became difficult as, after Kickstart took the lead, they became more compact, which made all of the Moshal Girls’ efforts ineffective. The Kickstart Women remained alert to protect the score and secure all three points.
Though the defeat saw East Bengal Women remain at the top with 27 points after 10 matches, Kickstart FC moved to 13 points from 10 matches. The match saw East Bengal Women retain their position but lose three crucial points, suffering their first defeat in their title-defending campaign. Tonight’s result could have secured their title defence, but the defeat halted their momentum, and they now have to wait to make it certain.
With the competition tight and matches remaining, every point is important, and Kickstart Women secured a vital three points tonight. This result adds fresh momentum to their campaign and keeps the race alive.
IWL 2025-26 – East Bengal FC vs Kickstart FC full match
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