IWL 2024-25: East Bengal Secures First Title with 1-0 Victory Against Odisha
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Synopsis
On April 11, 2024, East Bengal's women's team achieved a historic milestone by winning the IWL title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Odisha FC, ending a 21-year wait for a league championship. The decisive goal was scored by Soumya Guguloth in the 67th minute.
Key Takeaways
- East Bengal's women's team secured their first IWL title in 21 years.
- Soumya Guguloth scored the winning goal in the 67th minute.
- Odisha FC faces potential relegation after this defeat.
- East Bengal dominated the match but struggled with finishing.
- The trophy presentation is scheduled for April 18 in Kalyani.
Kalyani, April 11 (NationPress) After nearly 21 years since an East Bengal squad last clinched a league title in Indian football, the club’s women’s team captured the Indian Women’s League (IWL) trophy with a disciplined 1-0 win over the reigning champions, Odisha FC.
To exacerbate their situation, Odisha now faces potential relegation, their fate uncertain with one match remaining. Soumya Guguloth netted the decisive goal in the 67th minute.
In their third season within the women’s premier division, East Bengal effectively subdued all rivals. They have triumphed over all teams except one—Gokulam Kerala—in the league this season, and they will surely aim to rectify that record in the upcoming final match on April 18, when they are set to officially receive the trophy in Kalyani.
Despite dominating the first half, East Bengal's sudden inability to convert chances persisted into this match. Their forward trio of Maurine Achieng, Soumya Guguloth, and Elshaddai Acheampong squandered several opportunities in the initial thirty minutes.
The best opportunity fell to Achieng, who forced a spectacular diving save from Nandini with a sharp header from Sandhiya Ranganathan’s cross in the 35th minute. However, the next phase of play belonged to Odisha, where Pyari Xaxa almost single-handedly broke through East Bengal’s seasoned defense but misfired when faced with only Panthoi Chanu to beat.
As the half drew to a chaotic close, both teams exchanged more chances. Xaxa’s header from a corner was cleared by Karthika Angamuthu, while Acheampong’s long-range shot curled narrowly wide of the far post.
The disparity between the two teams this season is reflected in their standings, yet the match did not indicate such a gap. Odisha entered the second half with renewed momentum, and Xaxa missed a crucial opportunity by poking a loose ball inside the six-yard area wide, created from a corner, leaving East Bengal relieved.
Just as it appeared the match would conclude with minimal scoreboard action, Anju Tamang, who had previously scored in a 1-1 draw with Sribhumi after returning from injury, came on to invigorate the hosts’ offense.
Tamang quickly tested Nandini with a volley from inside the box, forcing a save. In the 67th minute, she became the provider, delivering a perfectly timed pass that sliced through the defense, allowing Guguloth to sprint towards the goal. The forward finished with precision, leaving Nandini stranded and sparking celebrations.
East Bengal was now in an ideal position, not only to secure this match but also the title itself. Odisha, fighting for survival, displayed evident desperation in every attack.
Ultimately, it mattered little as the hosts maintained their lead, bolstered by players seasoned in league victories, to seal the result and claim the title.
