IWL: Gokulam Kerala thrash Sribhumi, East Bengal dominate Nita FA

The Indian Women’s League (IWL) witnessed contrasting fortunes for two of its top teams on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Gokulam Kerala FC, spurred by an extraordinary four-goal performance from Fazila Ikwaput, crushed Sribhumi FC 5-1 to bag their first win of the season.

Meanwhile, East Bengal FC maintained their dominant run, defeating Nita FA 4-1 to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

Fazila’s show powers Gokulam Kerala to first win

Sribhumi FC 1–5 Gokulam Kerala FC

Gokulam Kerala FC finally broke their winless streak with a stunning 5-1 victory over Sribhumi FC at the Bibhutibhusan Stadium. Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput was unstoppable, scoring four goals, including the fastest goal in IWL history in just 17 seconds.

Sribhumi briefly leveled the score in the 38th minute through Queenable Akousa Amankrah’s header, but Fazila restored Gokulam’s lead three minutes later. Shubhangi Singh added to the tally with a spectacular long-range goal, while Fazila completed her hat-trick and added another with clinical finishes in the second half.

The win lifted Gokulam Kerala to second place in the standings, with Fazila leading the season’s scoring charts with seven goals in three matches.

East Bengal stays unbeaten with a commanding win

Nita FA 1–4 East Bengal FC

East Bengal FC continued their perfect run with a dominant 4-1 triumph over Nita FA at the Capital Football Arena in Bhubaneswar. Goals from Anju Tamang, Soumya Guguloth, Resty Nanziri, and Sandhiya Ranganathan ensured the Moshal Girls stayed on top of the table with three wins in as many matches.

Anju Tamang opened the scoring in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a defensive scramble following a corner. Soumya Guguloth doubled the lead early in the second half with a precise finish, and Resty Nanziri quickly made it 3-0. Although Gifty Acheampong pulled one back for Nita FA in the 61st minute, Sandhiya sealed the win with a well-taken corner conversion six minutes later.

East Bengal’s all-round performance, combining solid defense and incisive attacking moves, reaffirms their title credentials as they remain the team to beat this season.