IWL: Spectacular Fazila Scores Hat-Trick for Gokulam FC Against Sethu FC
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Fazila Ikwaput's stellar performance led Gokulam FC to a 4-1 victory over Sethu FC, marking their fourth consecutive win. With a hat trick from Ikwaput, Gokulam maintains their unbeaten streak this season, positioning themselves just one point behind East Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Fazila Ikwaput scored four goals, including a hat-trick.
- Gokulam Kerala is on a four-match winning streak.
- The team remains unbeaten with 14 points in the standings.
- Sethu FC fought back but couldn't equalize.
- Gokulam's next match will be crucial for their title chase.
Chennai, Feb 7 (NationPress) Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput wreaked havoc as Gokulam Kerala secured their fourth straight victory by defeating Sethu FC 4-1 in the final match of Round Six at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. The victors led 2-1 at the break.
Fazila’s four-goal performance proved too overwhelming for the home side, who struggled to contain the Ugandan's brilliance, raising her goal tally to 14 from six matches in the ongoing season. This marked her third hat-trick of the campaign.
The outcome preserved Gokulam’s unbeaten streak this season, bringing their points total to 14, just one point shy of current leaders East Bengal. Meanwhile, Sethu FC remained at 10 points from six matches.
Gokulam Kerala started strong, striking twice in quick succession within the opening ten minutes. In the 10th minute, a long pass from Asem Roja Devi allowed Fazila to outpace Khambi Chanu, finishing with precision to give the visitors an early lead.
The second goal followed ten minutes later, with another through ball from Roja slicing through the Sethu defense, allowing Fazila to slot the ball into the far corner, putting Gokulam in a commanding position.
Sethu FC, known for their resilience, responded five minutes later, as Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi curled a corner directly into the net, reducing the deficit. Although Goalkeeper Payal Basude faced a moment of embarrassment, the ball also deflected off a defender and struck the woodwork.
Just before halftime, Sethu appeared to have equalized but had their celebrations cut short by an offside call.
In the second half, Sethu maintained their momentum and pushed for an equalizer, forcing saves from Basude. A clear opportunity fell to Hadijah Nandago, who, one-on-one with the goalkeeper, faltered and shot directly at her.
Gokulam took full advantage of the missed chances, with Fazila completing her hat trick in the 60th minute. Another long ball led to Fazila controlling it gracefully, chipping it over the approaching goalkeeper before finishing from two yards out.
Sethu continued their assault, and in the 79th minute, Nandago’s volley demanded a stellar save from Basude. A subsequent corner saw Moussa Zouwairatou’s header cleared off the goal line, preserving Gokulam’s lead.
Fazila capped off her remarkable evening with a fourth goal in the 88th minute. After receiving the ball in the left channel within the box, she fired a shot from a tight angle, beating Khambi Chanu at the near post.
