Kolkata: East Bengal women defended their Indian Women's League (IWL) crown in style, defeating Nita FA 2-0 on Tuesday to seal the championship with two rounds remaining in the season. The victory at the East Bengal ground ensured that Anthony Andrews' side celebrated their second consecutive title in emphatic fashion.
Title Secured Before Kickoff
Hours before the match kicked off, East Bengal were already assured of the title when their nearest rivals, Sethu FC, dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Sesa FA. That result left East Bengal with an insurmountable lead of 30 points from 11 matches, while Sethu FC remained stuck in second place with 23 points, having two more matches to play. The early confirmation of the title allowed East Bengal to play with freedom and composure.
Match Report: Soumya Guguloth's Brace Seals Victory
East Bengal celebrated the occasion by defeating Nita FA with a commanding performance. The star of the match was Soumya Guguloth, who scored a brace to lead her team to a comfortable 2-0 win. Her goals extended East Bengal's points tally to 33 points, underlining their dominance throughout the season.
Historic Achievement
With this triumph, East Bengal became the second team to defend the IWL title after Gokulam Kerala, who achieved a hat-trick of titles between 2019 and 2023. The victory also handed East Bengal another opportunity to represent India in the AFC Women's Champions League football next season, showcasing their consistency and strength in women's football in the country.
The team's success is a testament to their hard work, strategy, and the depth of talent in the squad. As they prepare for future challenges, East Bengal women have set a benchmark for excellence in Indian women's football.
