IWL 2025: East Bengal grab easy win against Kickstart FC to begin campaign

Sandhiya Ranganathan and Resty Nanziri scored for East Bengal in the IWL opener.

The Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2024-25 opener at the historic East Bengal Ground saw the Red and Gold Brigade perform a worthy job on their home turf as they shrugged off Kickstart FC’s challenge 2-0 on Friday, January 10, 2025.

The winners, who led by a goal at half-time, scored their goals through their two prized recruits, Sandhiya Ranganathan and Uganda’s Resty Nanziri, to take home three points in their IWL campaign opener.

With both sides boasting a galaxy of National team stars in their ranks, they expectedly made a cautious start, but East Bengal slowly took over the command of the midfield to see more of the possession. If Resty impressed with her hard work, then Anju Tamang was extremely useful with her ability to find the gaps in the rival defence, showcasing her skills in the IWL.

Hosts @eastbengal_fc dominate @Kickstart_fc in the #IWL 🏆season opener! 🔴🟡#EBFCKFC #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/bsk0SxUFLM

— I-League (@ILeague_aiff) January 10, 2025

Soumya Guguloth stars in the IWL game

Soumya Guguloth, another India regular on the pitch, was on a song on the wings, at least initially, and it was no wonder that she played a crucial role in providing East Bengal the lead in the 22nd minute of their IWL opener.

Soumya’s looping cross from the right was right in the six-yard box, and ever-agile Sulanjana Raul, a constant threat to the defence with her deft movements, came up with a strong header that rattled the crosspiece before returning to play.

The ball was still in the air, and Sandhiya pounced on the opportunity to try another header. This time it traveled to the target, leaving little chance for custodian Maibam Linthoingambi Devi. Her goal set the tone for a confident IWL debut for the East Bengal side.

East Bengal slammed in another four minutes into the second half. Ugandan Resty finally rewarded herself for her hard work as she ran through the left and found the near post with a low left-footer, further solidifying her impact in the IWL.

Kickstart FC, the team from Bengaluru, played their parts well, but could never really manage their affairs beyond the East Bengal 25-yard area. They had a few tricks up their sleeve, but it wasn’t enough to bother the local side’s defence in this IWL fixture.

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