IWL 2025-26: NITA FA rout SESA, Sribhumi score four past Gokulam Kerala FC as East Bengal kick off with win

The IWL Round 2 fixtures witnessed goals galore across the gameweek.

The second round of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2025-26 season continued with goals flying into the net across the games on Wednesday, as NITA FA and Sribhumi FC leading the charge.

League leaders and newly promoted Garhwal United FC continued their bright start to the season with a close win over Kickstart Karnataka FC. Defending IWL champions East Bengal FC also kicked off their 2025-26 campaign with a 1-0 win over Sethu FC.

Sribhumi FC and NITA FA are scoring goals for fun

Sribhumi FC kicked off the Round 2 gameweek registering a sublime 0-4 away win over Gokulam Kerala FC in one of the early upsets of the season. A brace from Grace Dangmei, along with goals from Rimpa Haldar and Kayenpaibam Anju Chanu capped off a brilliant attacking game, denting the Malabarians’ potential IWL title contending ambitions this season.

NITA FA produced an emphatic attacking display in their game against SESA FA, with striker Pyari Xaxa starring at the attacking end. Xaxa’s hat-trick, a rare feat of three goals in a single match, propelled NITA FA to a resounding 6-1 win over the visitors, showcasing her sharp finishing and positioning in the box. The victory earns NITA FA three crucial points and moves them up the early season IWL table, with some clubs still yet to play their second game.

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Can Garhwal United mount a title bid against East Bengal?

Defending champions East Bengal FC maintained their winning momentum with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sethu FC at the Kalyani Stadium. The deadlock was broken in the 78th minute when forward Soumya Goguloth calmly slotted home the decisive goal, capitalising on neat build-up play from midfield.

However, the champions will be keeping a close eye on Garhwal United FC in the upcoming rounds this season. The newly promoted side made it two wins in two games following their 1-0 win over Kickstart Karnataka FC courtesy of Lhingdeikim Kipgen’s 78th minute goal proving to be the difference on the night.

Round 2 of the IWL campaign promised and delivered some expected results while some surprises for its adoring fans. The 2025-26 season could prove to be a fairytale season for the underdog teams this season with Garhwal United FC staking a claim as challengers to the title.

As the teams prepare for their next games in the 2025-26 IWL season, fans can expect tightly contested matches, tactical adjustments and standout individual performances across the league in the upcoming rounds.

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