IWL 2024-25: Odisha FC to kick off their campaign against Gokulam Kerala

The 2024-25 Indian Women’s League (IWL) season is set to kick off with a thrilling encounter between defending champions Odisha FC Women (OFCW) and Gokulam Kerala FC on January 10, 2025, at EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala.

The match promises to be a high-stakes battle between two of the league's top contenders, with both teams looking to make an early statement.

Odisha FC Women enter the season as the defending champions, having dominated the 2023-24 IWL season with 31 points from 12 matches.

Under the guidance of Coach Crispin Chettri, the team secured 10 wins and one draw, dethroning Gokulam Kerala FC, who finished second with 29 points.

Despite losing a few key players, Odisha FC remains a formidable force, thanks to the arrival of several promising young talents.

Coach Chettri shared his thoughts on preparing for the season, saying, “This year, we have a very young side with only a few players remaining from last season. But we are growing as a team every day, and we are confident we can defend our title.”

A historic preseason for Odisha FC Women

Odisha FC’s campaign in the 2024-25 AFC Women’s Champions League was a groundbreaking one, as they qualified for the tournament just two years after their inception.

The team faced tough competition, finishing at the bottom of their group without registering a point, but the experience has proven invaluable.

When asked about how the AFC experience impacted the team, Chettri emphasized, “The AFC journey has been a massive learning curve for me as a coach and for the players. It showed us the level we need to aspire to, and it has helped improve our expectations and training intensity.”

Gokulam Kerala FC: The rising challenge

Gokulam Kerala FC, with their four IWL titles, remains one of the strongest contenders for the 2024-25 season.

The team, led by a coach and seasoned professionals, will be determined to reclaim their crown after being dethroned last season. Coach Chettri acknowledged the pressure on the team but also emphasized the importance of focusing on each match.

“The pressure is always there in sports, and it’s a privileged kind of pressure for coaches. Gokulam has been champions for many years, but we are looking forward to every match, especially this one,” Chettri said.

As the season begins, both teams are aiming for a successful start. Gokulam Kerala FC has strengthened their squad with new talent, while Odisha FC’s mix of experience and youth makes them a tough opponent.

“This year will be very competitive,” Chettri noted, with clubs like Kickstart and Spangle also strengthening their sides.

For Odisha FC’s Shreya Hooda, the excitement is palpable. “We are very confident,” she said. “Our team is young, but we are motivated and ready for the challenges ahead. We are focused on one match at a time, but we are determined to defend our title.”

Odisha FC Women’s Team Squad for IWL

Goalkeepers: Shreya Hooda, Aaisha Ghatualo, Anshika, Manju Ganjhu

Defenders: Arifa Zaheer, Maryam Ibrahim, Nemita Gurung, Sulekha Kanhar, Kajal Kantiwal, Eliane Manbolamo, Kretina Sangma, Nishka Parkash, Shibani Mundari

Midfielders: Kiran Pisda, Kajol D’Souza, Grace Hauhnar, Tanvi Nair, Jasoda Munda, Pratima Oram

Forwards: Lynda Kom, Pyari Xaxa, Neha Sillay, Malati Munda, Aishwarya Jagtap, Jennifer Kankam