IWL 2024-25: Sribhumi FC Triumphs Over Kickstart FC 2-0 for First Victory Post-Promotion
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Synopsis
The newly-promoted Sribhumi FC achieved their first win in the Indian Women’s League 2024-25 by defeating Kickstart FC 2-0 at Bibhutibhushan Stadium, thanks to goals from Ngangom Bala Devi and Nameirakpam Arina Devi.
Key Takeaways
- Sribhumi FC secured their first win in IWL 2024-25.
- Goals from Ngangom Bala Devi and Nameirakpam Arina Devi.
- Match held at Bibhutibhushan Stadium.
- Kickstart FC still searching for their first win.
- Intense midfield battle characterized the match.
Kolkata, Jan 27 (NationPress) The newly-promoted Sribhumi FC celebrated their inaugural victory in the Indian Women’s League 2024-25 by defeating Kickstart FC with a score of 2-0 at the Bibhutibhushan Stadium in Barrackpore on Monday.
Ngangom Bala Devi and Nameirakpam Arina Devi were the key scorers for the home team, who led by a goal at halftime. This victory marked a significant milestone for Sribhumi FC, breaking a streak of three losses. They have now ascended to the sixth position from the bottom of the table, accumulating three points from four matches.
Meanwhile, Kickstart FC from Bengaluru continues to seek their first win of the league, holding two points from four matches and sitting at seventh place, just above the last-placed HOPS FC.
Both teams were eager to claim their initial win of the tournament, setting the stage for an intensely competitive match.
From the outset, neither team adopted a defensive strategy. They aimed to implement an attacking style of play right from the first whistle. The midfield battle was fierce, with players vying for control and quick transitions often catching opposing defenses off guard.
In the 15th minute, Sribhumi FC took the lead following a well-placed cross from the right, catching Kickstart FC defenders off guard. Ngangom Bala Devi, the captain, seized the moment, creating space amidst the backline and heading in the team's first goal.
Just minutes later, Sribhumi almost extended their lead, but Moushumi Murmu’s powerful shot from outside the box struck the crossbar after bypassing Kickstart's goalkeeper, Maibam Linthoingambi Devi.
They faced another near miss when Rimpa Halder’s attempt also hit the crossbar.
Kickstart had a few chances through Dalima Chhibber, but Sribhumi's defense proved resolute in keeping their forwards at bay.
In the second half, both teams pressed to exploit defensive weaknesses but were unable to convert their efforts into goals.
It was only in stoppage time that Sribhumi FC confirmed their victory with a long-range shot from Nameirakpam Arina Devi finding the net, igniting jubilant celebrations in the home team’s dugout.
