IWL 2024-25: Sethu FC Triumphs Over Newcomers Sribhumi FC
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Chennai, Jan 11 (NationPress) In their 2024-25 Indian Women’s League (IWL) opener, Sethu FC, former champions, edged past newly-promoted Sribhumi FC with a score of 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. Following a tightly contested first half, Ugandan midfielder Amnah Nababi struck a volley at the hour mark, securing all three points for Shareef Khan’s squad against the previous season’s IWL 2 titleholders.
Having played in Goa last season, Sethu was thrilled to kick off their campaign with a victory in their home state of Tamil Nadu.
From the outset, Sethu dominated possession, with their three central defenders methodically building from the back. Lisham Babina Devi’s incisive passes and Malavika P’s swift runs down the flanks consistently troubled Sribhumi, although the hosts struggled to penetrate the penalty area in the opening half, as the visitors maintained a solid midfield presence.
Sribhumi posed a threat on counter-attacks, fueled by the quickness of Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi on the right, Mousumi Murmu on the left, and Rimpa Haldar in the attacking midfield role. Their captain, Ngangom Bala Devi, contributed significantly with her effective link-up play.
She notably created two golden opportunities for Mousumi within the first four minutes, but the 20-year-old was unable to convert, shooting over the bar with her right foot on both occasions.
Both goalkeepers were active in the opening minutes of the second half. Sethu’s Sarangthem Khambi Chanu parried Apurna Narzary’s 20-yard strike, while Sribhumi’s Moirangthem Monalisha Devi gathered Moussa Zouwairatou’s low shot.
However, Monalisha was powerless to stop Sethu from securing the lead in the 59th minute. The Sribhumi defense was caught off guard as Amnah Nababi capitalized on a bouncing ball at the edge of the area. She unleashed a right-footed volley that sailed into the far corner, beyond Monalisha’s reach, marking her first goal in the IWL.
In pursuit of an equalizer, Sribhumi intensified their efforts, becoming increasingly urgent as time dwindled. Head coach Sujata Kar introduced Nitu Linda and Nameirakpam Arina Devi to enhance midfield control.
The visitors’ most promising chance came in the 81st minute when Anita Kumari curled a right-footed shot from 25 yards, but it was expertly tipped over by Khambi, preserving the victory for Sethu.
