Indian Women’s League: Kickstart FC beat Gokulam Kerala 1-0

Bengaluru: Kickstart FC continued their recovery in the second phase of the Indian Women’s League with a 1-0 victory over former champions Gokulam Kerala in Kolkata on Saturday.

Nepalese midfielder Saru Limbu scored the solitary goal in the 16th minute to seal the win as Kickstart improved a spot to fourth place (16 points in 11 matches). This was the third win on the go for the Benglauru side as they overtook Gokulam (13 points from 11).

Kickstart made a bright start and went ahead in the 16th minute after carving open Gokulam’s defence with a move from the left wing. Saru Limbu made a perfectly timed run before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Sowmiya N.

Gokulam looked far more threatening after the interval and kept sustained pressure on the Bengaluru side. Lourembam Menaka Devi nearly found the equaliser in the 52nd minute when her inswinging corner almost sneaked in directly, only to land on the roof of the net.

Shilji Shaji came even closer two minutes later, creating space inside a crowded box before rattling the crossbar with a powerful strike.

Kickstart had a chance to extend their advantage in the 70th minute, but Sowmiya reacted sharply to keep out Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu’s dipping free-kick.

Gokulam continued searching for the leveller in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Maibam Lingthoingambi Devi denied Shaji’s curling attempt from the edge of the area to ensure Kickstart walked away with full points.

Meanwhile, defending champions East Bengal FC (30 points in 11 matches) tightened their grip at the top with a dominant 6-0 win over Sesa Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground. Karthika Angamuthu struck a brace, while Soumya Guguloth, Sushmita Lepcha, Fazila Ikwaput and Resty Nanziri also got on the scoresheet for the Moshal Girls.

Sribhumi Football Club and Nita Football Academy played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at the National Centre of Excellence. Elizabeth Katungwa Kioko scored twice and skipper Pyari Xaxa added another for Nita, while Veronica Appiah, Philomena Abakah and Dangmei Grace found the net for Sribhumi, with Grace striking deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.

Garhwal United Football Club edged past second-placed Sethu FC 2-1 at the National Centre of Excellence. Apurna Narzary gave Sethu an early advantage in the 27th minute, but goals from Monisha Singh and Elizabeth Danso helped Garhwal overturn the deficit and secure the win. Sethu FC (22 points) are ahead of Kickstart by six points.

Results: Kickstart: 1 (Saru Limbu 16th) bt Gokulam: 0. 

East Bengal: 6 (Karthika Angamuthu 14th, 28th, Soumya Guguloth 45+1st, Sushmita Lepcha 45+4th, Fazila Ikwaput 70th, Resty Nanziri 87th) bt SESA FA: 0.

Sribhumi FC: 3 (Veronica Appiah 32nd, Philomena Abakah 78th, Dangmei Grace 90+5th) drew with Nita FA: 3 (Elizabeth Katungwa Kioko 22nd, 55th, Pyari Xaxa 43rd).

Garhwal United FC: 2 (Monisha Singh 33rd, Elizabeth Danso 68th) bt Sethu FC:: 1 (Apurna Narzary 27th).