Fazila Ikwaput’s stoppage-time strike secured all three points for East Bengal Women after a resilient defensive display from Gokulam Kerala.

Kalyani, November 13: The defending champions of the Indian Women’s League, East Bengal Women, began their title defence with a 1–0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC on Friday evening at the Kalyani Stadium. As the referee continued to draw attention and became the centre of discussion during the match, Fazila Ikwaput shifted the spotlight back onto herself and East Bengal Women with a late winner just before the final whistle.

The game started at a slow pace, with neither team looking to open up the match. However, in the 26th minute, a crucial moment unfolded from an attack by the Moshal Girls. Sulanjana, from the right, chipped the ball into the box for Fazila, who was there to meet it. As she trapped the ball and tried a shot, Remi Tokchom marked her and stopped the attack by handling the ball. The incident could have been checked, and a fair decision could have followed, but the referee allowed play to continue.

In the last minute of regulation time in the first half, a long ball came into the box, beating Arifa Zaheer. Sulanjana capitalised on the opportunity, but Shreya Hooda came off her line to collect the ball. Sulanjana still managed to get past her, and just as she was about to take a shot, Shreya caught her leg. Another penalty appeal followed, which again should have been checked, but the referee missed the incident.

After the restart, Priyangka Naorem’s shot in the 48th minute hit the crossbar, denying East Bengal Women another opportunity to break the deadlock. After the hour mark, Fazila missed another chance to find the net as her chipped effort went over the empty net.

In the 73rd minute, Resty sent a pass into the box for Fazila, but Menaka cleared the ball with a timely slide before she could attempt a shot. With a quick attack in the 81st minute, Anju Chanu managed to get a shot away from close to the box, but Shreya Hooda came up with a great save.

However, after a bit of slow footballing display and a series of missed opportunities from the Moshal Girls, which the Malabarians defended with their lives, they failed to keep their net intact in stoppage time.

Following a missed clearance by Gokulam Kerala, Fazila headed the ball towards Rimpa, who set it back for her. This time, Fazila made no mistake and sent the ball into the net, securing all three points for East Bengal Women as they began their new league campaign right where they left off last season.

Despite the late shift, Gokulam Kerala Women showed strong defensive discipline throughout the match, making it difficult for the defending champions to find space and create clear opportunities. Shreya Hooda stood out between the posts, producing several important saves to keep her side in the contest and earning the Player of the Match award for her performance. However, East Bengal Women’s persistence finally paid off in stoppage time as Fazila found the breakthrough, ensuring the champions began their title defence on a positive note.