Spirited Sribhumi FC lose to NITA; Kickstart FC beat Sesa Goa
Sribhumi FC, despite a spirited show, lost to NITA FA in their concluding group league match of the first phase of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) at Kalyani Stadium on Friday morning. The scoreline was 3-2 in NITA FA’s favor. Karishma Shirvoikar scored a sameside goal for Sribhunmi FC in the 25th minute. Then India international Pyari Xaxa struck twice after the break in the 55th and 90th minutes. Sribhumi, despite trailing by a first-half suicide goal, leveled the score line in the 47th minute when Anju Tamang scored for the Kolkata side. Karishma Shirvoikar compensated for her suicide goal, equalizing the scoreline again with a strike in the 67th minute. However, in another match on the day, Kickstart FC of Karnataka defeated debutant Sesa FA by 3-1 at the NCE. Emem Pis Esien scored a hat-trick for the winners while Aniela Bareto scored for Sesa FA.
Sreebhumi FC concede first defeat; Coach says it was a learning experience
After two consecutive wins, Sreebhumi FC conceded their first defeat in the ongoing Indian Women’s League (IWL) at the hands of Tamil Nadu’s Sethu FC by 2-4 at Kalyani Stadium on Tuesday. Liynda Kom scored the hat-trick while Abigail Antwi, the Ghanaian striker, scored one for the winner. On the other hand, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar reduced the margin for Sreebhumi FC, scoring a brace in the 50th and 87th minutes. Sreebhumi coach Sujata Kar, when asked about her observation, explained, “The team were shaky in the first session. They tried to bounce back after the break, but our midfield organization was not up to the mark, and it created pressure on the defense as well as the goalkeeper. I believe the defeat was a learning experience for us so that we can turn around from our next match.” Sreebhumi will face Karnataka’s Kickstart FC in their next encounter. In another match on Tuesday morning, NITA FA edged past debutant Garwal United FC by a solitary goal at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE). India international Pyari Xaxa scored the winner.
Sreebhumi FC take sweet revenge, defeating Gokulam Kerala FC in their IWL opener
Shreebhumi FC started their campaign in their second edition of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) in style, trouncing Gokulam Kerala FC 4-0 at Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday. Grace Dangmei struck twice while Rimpa Halder and Anju Chanu scored one each for the winners. Shreebhumi lost to Gokulam Kerala FC in their opening match of the IWL last season. The team’s Technical Director, Shukla Dutta, however, said, “First match is always a tough game for any team. Considering the perspective, our performance today was satisfactory, although we missed more chances. Rimpa was consistent throughout.” The club is now waiting for its two Ghanaian footballers, a striker and a defender, who can bolster the team in their forthcoming matches. The foreigners are expected to arrive within a couple of days and join the team before their next match on 27th December. In another match of the day, NITA FA humbled debutant SESA FA 6-1. India international Pyari Xaxa, who joined the team only three days ago, struck the hat-trick while Amiratu scored twice and Bhumika scored one for the winners.
