Former champion Sethu FC began its campaign on a confident note as it registered a 2-1 win over Kickstart FC in the opening match of the Indian Women’s League at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence here on Saturday.
In another match held at the Kalyani Stadium, Gokulam Kerala FC and Nita FA played out a 1-1 draw. In a contest between two debutants, Garhwal United FC outplayed Sesa Football Academy 3-1.
With defending champion East Bengal FC engaged in the SAFF women’s Club championship, its opening match against Sreebhumi FC was postponed to a later date.
Sethu FC encountered an initial setback and conceded an early goal as Kickstart FC earned a penalty and took the lead through Babysana Devi’s successful conversion from the spot.
Sethu regrouped quickly and restored parity in the 20th minute when Kaviya Pakkirisamy produced a fine solo effort to find the target for the former champion. Sethu continued to press for the lead, and the efforts paid off in the 50th minute when Malavika P. got the ball home from a set-piece situation.
The results: At Kalyani: Gokulam Kerala FC 1 (Cidalia Daniel Cuta 46) drew with Nita Football Academy 1 (Neha 40).
At NCE: Sethu FC 2 (Kaviya Pakkirisamy 20, Malavika P. 50) bt Kickstart FC 1 (Babysana Devi 12-pen); Garhwal United FC 3 (Lhingdeikim 12, Sanfida Nongrum 15, Deepika Pal 45+4) bt Sesa FA 1 (Sarjida Khatun 89).
Published – December 20, 2025 08:51 pm IST
