IWL 2024-25: Gokulam Kerala's Fazila Ikwaput Scores Four Goals Against Nita FA
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Synopsis
Fazila Ikwaput's remarkable four-goal performance led Gokulam Kerala FC to a 4-1 victory over Nita FA in the 2024-25 Indian Women’s League. The match showcased Ikwaput's dominance as she strengthened her position as the league's top scorer.
Key Takeaways
- Fazila Ikwaput scores four goals for Gokulam Kerala FC.
- The match ended with a score of 4-1 against Nita FA.
- East Bengal is confirmed as the league champion.
- Nita FA faces relegation threats in their upcoming matches.
- All goals were scored in the second half of the match.
Kozhikode, April 13 (NationPress) Fazila Ikwaput showcased her prowess in the 2024–25 Indian Women’s League with a stunning four-goal display as Gokulam Kerala FC triumphed over Nita FA 4–1 in their final home match of the season at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Sunday.
The Ugandan striker, already the league’s top scorer with 24 goals, netted four times (47’, 52’, 63’, 82’), with all five goals occurring in the second half. Rahama Jafaru (75’) found the net for Nita FA, providing a brief moment of hope.
This outcome does not significantly impact either team. With East Bengal already crowned champions, Gokulam entered the match knowing they would secure second place in the league irrespective of the results in their final two games. They now stand at 29 points from 13 matches.
Conversely, the defeat holds serious implications for Nita FA. They remain in a precarious sixth position with 13 points from as many matches, facing a critical relegation battle against Odisha Women, who have 12 points from the same number of games. With only one match left for both teams — Nita FA will take on Kickstart FC while Odisha Women face Sribhumi FC — survival hinges on securing a victory.
The match began cautiously, with both teams demonstrating a lack of attacking threat in a disjointed first half. However, after halftime, Gokulam Kerala emerged with renewed intensity.
Ikwaput broke the stalemate in the 47th minute, curling a superb free-kick from 22 yards with the outside of her boot, leaving Nita FA goalkeeper Sasmita Parida stranded. This goal ignited the match and led to a surge of attacking play.
Just five minutes later, Ikwaput struck again. A well-timed through ball split the Nita defense, and the league’s leading scorer executed a perfect run before calmly slotting the ball past an advancing Parida, extending the lead to 2–0.
Ikwaput completed her hat-trick in the 63rd minute, receiving the ball at the edge of the area, brushing off her defender with ease, and delivering a composed finish to further Gokulam Kerala’s advantage.
Nita FA did manage to create a moment of celebration when Rahama Jafaru scored a consolation goal in the 75th minute. Using her excellent footwork, she executed a toe-poke past Gokulam Kerala defenders and goalkeeper Payal Basude.
Nonetheless, Ikwaput wasn’t finished yet. In the 82nd minute, she capped off her spectacular performance with a powerful strike into the top corner, completing her four-goal haul and raising her tally to 24 goals this season.
