Embracing Pressure: East Bengal's Triumph in IWL 2024-25
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Synopsis
East Bengal FC, led by Anthony Andrews, claimed victory in the Indian Women’s League 2024-25, winning 12 of 14 matches. The team embraced pressure as a privilege, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill throughout the season.
Key Takeaways
- East Bengal FC won the IWL 2024-25 title.
- They secured 12 victories out of 14 matches.
- Pressure was viewed as a privilege by the team.
- Anthony Andrews played a crucial role in their success.
- They are set to compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) Regarded as the frontrunners, East Bengal FC embraced pressure as a ‘privilege’ and surged towards clinching the Indian Women’s League 2024-25 title with an impressive record of 12 wins in 14 matches.
This season mirrored their previous campaign, where they managed just one victory and one draw in 2023-24. In contrast, this year, they faced only one defeat and one draw. The upcoming 2025-26 season looks promising as the Red and Golds prepare to compete against Asia's elite, representing India in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
With the hiring of a proven winner in Anthony Andrews, alongside the recruitment of top domestic talents and strategically chosen international players, the Moshal Girls delivered some of the most exciting football witnessed in Indian women's sports, consistently dominating their rivals.
“Certainly, being labeled as frontrunners brings pressure. However, pressure is a privilege — it indicates that expectations are high. We embraced this challenge, using it as motivation for consistent performance. Our focus remained on our daily efforts rather than external pressures,” Anthony shared with i-league.org.
Even in games where they couldn't assert full dominance, East Bengal exhibited a remarkable ability to secure results, often achieving narrow victories by a single goal. When they faced setbacks, they responded by launching into a formidable winning streak.
After their sole defeat in Round 5 against the seasoned champions Gokulam Kerala, East Bengal ensured they learned from that experience, going on to win six consecutive matches, ultimately sealing the title with a game still to play.
The head coach reflected on the loss to Kerala, praising his team's champion mentality. "That defeat was challenging, no doubt. However, such setbacks can serve as necessary resets for a team. We analyzed our performance, tackled tactical and mental aspects, and ensured we didn’t carry any negativity forward.
"The response from the players was phenomenal — they demonstrated character, unity, and ambition. This is what champions do — they rebound stronger," he added.
Ultimately, the 3-0 victory against the Malabarians on the final matchday was the perfect culmination. April 18, 2025, marked more than just another match for East Bengal; it was a celebration of their first national league title in 21 years, achieved at their home ground.
