IWL 2024-25: East Bengal Seals Championship with 3-0 Victory Over Gokulam Kerala

Synopsis

East Bengal FC triumphed 3-0 over Gokulam Kerala FC in the IWL 2024-25, showcasing a stellar first half. Already crowned champions, this victory confirmed they defeated every league opponent this season, with all goals scored before halftime.

Key Takeaways

East Bengal clinched the title with a commanding 3-0 victory.
All goals were scored in the first half.
Elshaddai Acheampong scored twice, leading the team's performance.
This win marked a clean sweep against all league teams.
East Bengal's professionalism shone through even after securing the championship.

Kolkata, April 18 (NationPress) East Bengal FC showcased a dominant first-half performance to secure a 3-0 win against Gokulam Kerala FC in the IWL 2024-25 at their home ground on Friday. With the championship already clinched prior to the match, this victory confirmed that they have triumphed over every opponent in the league this season. All three goals came before the halftime break.

Elshaddai Acheampong (27’, 37’) kicked off the celebrations for the Red and Golds with a brace, followed by Soumya Guguloth (42’) who added another just before halftime.

Even though they were already champions, East Bengal displayed exceptional professionalism and poise, emphasizing why they have dominated this season. From the outset, they restricted Gokulam's play and maintained control of possession throughout the match.

The first opportunity went to Acheampong in the second minute, but her volley from Sandhiya Ranganathan’s cross was saved by the goalkeeper. In the 19th minute, she squandered a golden chance, heading over from close range.

However, Acheampong made her mark in the 28th minute, receiving a pass from Anju Tamang at the edge of the Gokulam penalty area. She skillfully maneuvered past defenders and delicately chipped the goalkeeper to score. Before the crowd could settle, she netted her second just ten minutes later.

This time, her instinct was evident as she tapped in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu that eluded the entire Gokulam defense. Gokulam's struggles intensified just before halftime when Guguloth sprinted onto a through ball, rounded the goalkeeper, and finished with precision to make it 3-0.

What began as a competitive match transformed into a celebratory affair by halftime. East Bengal was determined to improve their record against Gokulam, the only team they had not beaten this season. Gokulam regrouped and returned with renewed vigor after the break, testing Panthoi Chanu from distance shortly after the restart, but it was their only real threat. East Bengal controlled the remainder of the match to secure the victory — an emphatic conclusion to their championship-winning season.