After creating history with their maiden title victory in the recently concluded SAFF Women’s Club Championship held in Kathmandu, Nepal, East Bengal FC began their campaign in the Indian Women’s League with a lead.
The defending champions defeated Sethu FC on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 by a score of 1-0 at the Kalyani Stadium in Kalyani, West Bengal. Bengal FC Soumya Goguloth bagged the player of the match award for her decisive goal resulting in the team’s victory in the opening fixture.
The Bengal FC team entered the game with confidence and a winning mindset. In the attacking side, Fazila Ikwaput, Sulanjana Raul, and Goguloth were ready to counter with sharp focus, pace and movement. Despite the dominance and taking the game in their favor, Bengal FC players were unable to score a goal or find the opportunity in the opening quarter.
With minutes before half-time, Bengal FC found a chance for themselves with Goguloth. The clearest chance arrived just before half-time when Goguloth was played through on goal, only for her initial effort to be saved and the rebound to go astray, much to the frustration of the defending champions.
The pattern of play remained largely unchanged after the restart. East Bengal continued to press with purpose, probing patiently for an opening, while Sethu defended resolutely and attempted to disrupt rhythm whenever possible. As the minutes ticked away, it appeared the contest might be heading towards a stalemate.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute. Sulanjana Raul picked up possession at the edge of the area and squared the ball intelligently for Goguloth. Showing composure and technique, the forward turned swiftly and executed a deftly lobbed finish that sailed beyond the Sethu goalkeeper and into the net, sparking celebrations among the Red and Golds faithful.
East Bengal could have doubled their advantage late on, with Ikwaput finding space inside the box, but her effort was directed straight at the goalkeeper. The missed chance proved inconsequential, as East Bengal saw out the closing stages comfortably to secure a valuable opening-day victory.
