IWL 2026/27: Juanita Aguadze brace fires Sethu Madurai to 2-1 win over Kickstart FC
Synopsis
Ghanaian forward Juanita Aguadze scored twice — and also put through her own net — in a dramatic IWL 2026/27 opener at Kalyani Stadium. Sethu Madurai's 2-1 win over Kickstart FC Karnataka was defined by one player's contrasting moments: an own goal that levelled the game, then a penalty that won it.
Key Takeaways
Sethu Madurai defeated Kickstart FC Karnataka 2-1 in the IWL 2026/27 opener at Kalyani Stadium, Kolkata on 14 November .
Juanita Aguadze scored in the 18th and 67th minutes, with the second goal coming from the penalty spot.
Aguadze also conceded an own goal in the 24th minute , gifting Kickstart their equaliser.
Kickstart goalkeeper Aiswarya Arumugam made multiple saves to keep her side in contention in the second half.
Nira Chanu's long-range effort was Kickstart's best chance of a late equaliser but failed to find the target.
IWL 2026/27 continues on 16 November with NITA Football Academy vs BBFS Garhwal United FC at Kalyani Stadium.
Juanita Aguadze delivered a match-winning brace — including a composed second-half penalty — as Sethu Madurai opened their Indian Women's League (IWL) 2026/27 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kickstart FC Karnataka at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, 14 November. The Ghanaian forward was both the hero and the inadvertent villain on the day, having also put through her own net to gift Kickstart their equaliser.
How the Goals Fell
Sethu struck first in the 18th minute when captain Malavika — sharp and purposeful on the counter-attack down the right wing — picked out Aguadze, who arrowed a clinical finish into the top corner. The lead lasted barely six minutes: a corner routine ended with Aguadze diverting the ball into her own net in the 24th minute, handing Kickstart an unlikely leveller.
The match settled into a tightly contested affair through the remainder of the first half, with possession distributed almost evenly and both sides restricted to half-chances. Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested as the teams went into the break level.
Aguadze's Penalty Seals It
Sethu came out with renewed intensity after the interval. Aguadze went close on a couple of occasions, only to be denied by Kickstart goalkeeper Aiswarya Arumugam, who produced two sharp stops. The breakthrough arrived in the 67th minute when Aguadze's driving run down the left flank drew a foul on Musken Subba inside the box. Aguadze stepped up and converted the spot-kick with authority, restoring Sethu's lead.
Sethu Hold Firm as Kickstart Push Late
With the scoreline at 2-1, Sethu continued to press for a third goal that would have settled the contest earlier, but the finishing touch eluded them on multiple occasions. Kickstart, to their credit, refused to capitulate and threw players forward in the closing stages. Nira Chanu's long-range effort was the closest they came to equalising, but Sethu's defence held its shape and composure through the final minutes to secure all three points.
What's Next in IWL 2026/27
The result gives Sethu Madurai a confident start to their title bid, while Kickstart will need to regroup quickly. IWL 2026/27 action resumes on Monday, 16 November, when NITA Football Academy take on BBFS Garhwal United FC at the Kalyani Stadium. The tournament continues to use Kolkata as a central venue, keeping the spotlight on Indian women's club football as the season gathers pace.
Point of View
But their inability to convert chances for a third goal and their vulnerability from set pieces — the own goal came from a corner — are patterns worth watching as the IWL season progresses. Kickstart controlled large portions of the match and will feel they deserved more; their campaign hinges on converting that possession dominance into goals going forward.
NationPress
14 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Sethu Madurai vs Kickstart FC Karnataka in IWL 2026/27?
Sethu Madurai beat Kickstart FC Karnataka 2-1 in the IWL 2026/27 opening-day fixture at Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata on 14 November. Juanita Aguadze scored both Sethu goals, in the 18th and 67th minutes.
Who scored for Sethu Madurai and Kickstart FC in the IWL opener?
Juanita Aguadze scored both goals for Sethu Madurai — a first-half strike in the 18th minute and a second-half penalty in the 67th minute. Kickstart's only goal was an own goal by Aguadze in the 24th minute.
Where was the IWL 2026/27 opening match played?
The match was played at Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, 14 November. The venue is serving as a central host ground for the IWL 2026/27 season.
When is the next IWL 2026/27 match?
The next IWL 2026/27 fixture is scheduled for Monday, 16 November, when NITA Football Academy face BBFS Garhwal United FC at Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata.
Who is Juanita Aguadze?
Juanita Aguadze is a Ghanaian forward playing for Sethu Madurai in the Indian Women's League. She was the standout player in the IWL 2026/27 opener, scoring a brace against Kickstart FC Karnataka, though she also conceded an own goal in the same match.
