In the Indian Women’s League (IWL) on Friday, February 9, 2024, Gokulam Kerala FC orchestrated a spectacular comeback to win 2-1 over Odisha FC in an exciting match at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode. With this triumph, Gokulam not only achieved their fourth straight victory but also rose to the top of the league table for the first time this year.
Table of Contents
Dream Start for Odisha FC:
Odisha FC got off to an incredible start 23 seconds into the match thanks to a quick goal by captain Indumathi Kathiresan. A thrilling match was set up by Kathiresan’s accurate left-footed effort from outside the box, which rendered Gokulam’s goalkeeper Sowmiya Narayanasamy helpless.
Fazila Ikwaput’s Heroics:
Gokulam demonstrated tenacity in the face of the setback, led by Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput. Ikwaput responded quickly, taking advantage of assists from Anju Tamang and Soumya Guguloth to score a brace in the first half. Gokulam’s clinical finishes put her in the lead and eventually gave her team the vital three points.
Odisha’s Resilience and Missed Opportunities:
Throughout the game, goalkeeper Shreya Hooda of Odisha FC was constantly under attack from the forwards on the other team, making it difficult for her to stop Gokulam’s attack. Odisha made a great effort to rally, but they were unable to take advantage of their opportunities as Win Theingi Tun’s free-kick and Malati Munda’s volley just missed the mark.
Gokulam’s Dominance and Missed Chances:
For the most part of the match, Gokulam Kerala FC controlled the action and applied constant pressure to Odisha’s defense. Odisha’s fortitude was continually put to the test by Anju Tamang, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, and Sandhiya Ranganathan, who made Hooda make vital saves to keep her team in the game. But Gokulam’s carelessness in front of goal kept them from expanding their lead, as they blew a number of good chances.
Promising Signs for Both Teams:
Both teams showed flashes of potential throughout the rest of the league season, regardless of the outcome. Odisha’s valiant performance demonstrated their resolve to overcome setbacks, while Gokulam Kerala FC’s attacking skill and tenacity demonstrated their status as legitimate title contenders.
Looking Ahead:
Both teams will have time to regroup and get ready for the obstacles that lie ahead in the IWL title race as the international break approaches. In their upcoming match, Gokulam Kerala FC will take on Sports Odisha, who are currently in last place, with the goal of keeping up their current winning streak. Meanwhile, Odisha FC will play Sethu FC to try and salvage a point.
Conclusion:
Gokulam Kerala FC defeated Odisha FC in a thrilling match, coming back from an early deficit to win a vital game in the IWL title race. Gokulam soared to the top of the table thanks to the valiant actions of Fazila Ikwaput, paving the way for an exciting league campaign finale. The Indian Women’s League is about to witness an exciting struggle for supremacy as both teams get ready to resume their title quest.
Gokulam Kerala Starting XI
Sowmiya (GK), Kritina, Ratan (C), Sandy, Ikwaput, Roja, Owiti, Tamang, Guguloth, Ashalata, Shilky,
Odisha FC Starting XI
Hooda (GK), Sanju, Astam, Win, Lynda, Xaxa, Grace, Indumathi (C), Kishan, Karthika, Manisha
