IWL 2024-25: Sethu FC and Nita Football Academy play out a 2-2 draw

Sethu FC and Nita FA played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Indian Women’s League (IWL) clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Chennai on Thursday.

A brace from Malavika gave Sethu FC a promising start, but a spirited comeback from Nita FA ensured the teams split the points.

The game began with high energy, and Nita FA earned an early corner in the 4th minute, but Sethu FC quickly found their rhythm.

The breakthrough for Sethu FC came in the 12th minute when Malavika capitalized on a corner kick.

Her header crossed the line before Nita FA defenders could clear it, and the referee awarded the goal.

Just four minutes later, Malavika doubled the lead with a stunning long-range strike, leaving the Nita FA goalkeeper with no chance.

With a 2-0 advantage, Sethu FC dominated possession and looked in control for much of the first half.

However, Nita FA fought back with Gifty heading in a cross from the right, reducing the deficit to 2-1 in the 27th minute. 

The second half saw Nita FA increase their intensity. They hit the post in the 64th minute, and goalkeeper Khambi made a crucial save in the 69th minute to deny another threatening cross.

In the 74th minute, Jabamani leveled the score with a composed finish after a mix-up in the Sethu FC box.

Despite chances for both sides, including a powerful long-range effort from Kamala Devi in the 87th minute, neither team could find the winner.

The match ended with a red card for Sethu FC’s Ngopawdi in stoppage time, as she received a second yellow for a foul.

Odisha register win over Hops Football Club

Earlier in the day, Odisha FC registered a 2-0 win over Hops Football Club, with two second-half strikers securing all three points for them. 

After a 0-0 first half, the deadlock was broken in the 66th minute by Linda Kom, and Odisha sealed the victory in the 84th minute when Jennifer Kankam Yeboah made it 2-0 for the visitors. 

Now that all teams have completed two matches each, East Bengal FC sit at the top with two wins, whereas Odisha, Sethu FC, and Nita FA are all in four points, separated by goal difference.