IWL 2024-25: East Bengal Strengthens Their Position with Win Over Sethu
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match, East Bengal defeated Sethu FC 4-2 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, extending their lead in the IWL 2024-25 standings. Acheampong scored twice, and Guguloth sealed the victory late in the game.
Key Takeaways
- East Bengal solidified their lead at the top of the IWL 2024-25 table.
- Elshaddai Acheampong scored two early goals, showcasing her talent.
- Sethu FC struggled despite scoring two goals, remaining in sixth place.
- Resty Nanziri and Soumya Guguloth contributed to the victory with key goals.
- East Bengal's defense held strong under pressure from Sethu's attacks.
Chennai, March 21 (NationPress) East Bengal triumphed over Sethu FC with a score of 4-2 in a thrilling match held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday, thereby consolidating their position at the peak of the IWL 2024-25 table. The Red and Golds were ahead 3-1 at the halftime break.
Elshaddai Acheampong (5’ p, 16’) netted two early goals, setting the early rhythm for East Bengal. Resty Nanziri (45+3’) and Soumya Guguloth (88’) contributed one goal each, ensuring a comfortable victory for the visiting team. Amnah Nababi (18’) and Hadijah Nandago (64’) found the back of the net for Sethu FC.
This victory allows East Bengal to widen their lead at the top of the table to four points, bringing their tally to 24 points from nine matches. In contrast, Sethu remains in sixth place with 10 points from nine matches, just a single point clear of Kickstart FC Karnataka in the relegation zone.
The scoring commenced for East Bengal in the fourth minute when Acheampong was fouled inside the box while advancing towards the goal. The referee awarded a penalty, which Acheampong successfully converted by placing the ball into the lower corner.
Just ten minutes later, East Bengal doubled their lead with Acheampong again proving to be a nuisance for the Sethu defense. Picking up the ball 30 yards from goal, the Ghanaian surged forward, easily brushing aside the defenders before finishing accurately into the far bottom corner from within the box.
Sethu, demonstrating resilience, managed to score in the 18th minute when Hadijah Nandago capitalized on a loose aerial ball in the box, skillfully lobbing it over a rushing Panthoi Chanu. The goalkeeper sustained a knee to her ribs during the incident, leading to a brief stoppage in the match.
However, East Bengal did not allow Sethu to build on their momentum, maintaining high pressure. In first-half injury time, they secured a third goal when Resty Nanziri burst in from the right side of the box, hammering a powerful shot from a tight angle. Despite getting a hand to it, Sarangthem Khambi Chanu could not stop it from entering the net.
Sethu responded shortly after the hour mark in the second half, with Nandago netting a cut-back from the right flank. This goal was the result of a swift counter-attack and was executed with finesse. The momentum seemed to shift towards the home side, particularly the right flank, which began to threaten East Bengal’s defense.
However, Sethu's lack of creativity in the final third hindered their efforts, and as the clock wound down, East Bengal managed to maintain control of the match. In the 88th minute, Soumya Guguloth effectively sealed the victory for East Bengal with a fourth goal. Acheampong, having drifted in from the left, attracted Sethu’s defenders and set up Guguloth, who finished elegantly in the lower corner.
