East Bengal FC once again stamped their authority on Indian women’s football as the Kolkata giants successfully defended their Indian Women’s League title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Nita Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground on Tuesday. With two matches still remaining in the season, the Red and Gold Brigade mathematically sealed the 2025-26 IWL crown and continued their growing dominance in domestic women’s football.
Backed by a passionate home crowd in the City of Joy, East Bengal produced another composed and clinical performance to cap off what has been an exceptional campaign. The victory took them to 33 points from 12 matches, keeping them comfortably clear at the top of the standings and underlining their consistency throughout the season.
The title-clinching night belonged to Soumya Guguloth, whose brilliant brace guided East Bengal to yet another historic triumph. The Indian international was named Player of the Match after delivering a standout display filled with attacking quality, intelligent movement and composure in front of goal.
East Bengal entered the match knowing a win would secure back-to-back league titles and they immediately looked determined to finish the job early. The hosts dominated possession from the opening whistle, pressing high up the pitch and controlling the tempo with quick passing combinations.
Their breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute through a move that reflected both precision and teamwork. Defender Ashalata Devi launched a perfectly weighted long ball from deep inside her own half, finding Soumya Guguloth in space behind the Nita FA defence. Soumya executed a delicate scoop finish over the advancing goalkeeper to put East Bengal ahead and ignite celebrations in the stands.
The reigning champions carried their momentum into the second half and continued creating chances at regular intervals. Nita Football Academy struggled to cope with East Bengal’s relentless pressing and fluid attacking movement, while their own offensive efforts were largely neutralised by the hosts’ organised defensive setup.
The decisive second goal arrived in the 65th minute following another beautifully crafted attacking move. Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput, one of East Bengal’s standout performers this season, delivered an excellent through pass into the path of Soumya. The forward dribbled past a defender, rounded the goalkeeper with confidence and calmly slotted the ball into the net to complete her brace.
The goal effectively ended the contest as East Bengal continued to dominate proceedings. Substitute Sulanjana almost added a third goal in stoppage time when her powerful effort struck the crossbar in the 91st minute.
Nita Football Academy found it difficult to create meaningful opportunities throughout the game, with East Bengal maintaining control in midfield and denying the visitors any rhythm in attack. Frustration began to show late in the contest when Nishima Kumari received a yellow card in the 72nd minute. To safely manage the closing stages, East Bengal made late substitutions with Rubina Khatun and Shrabani Murmu entering the field deep into stoppage time, while key players Fazila Ikwaput and Resty Nanziri were withdrawn to a loud ovation from the supporters.
The title triumph marks another major milestone for East Bengal’s rapidly growing women’s football project. Since entering the Indian Women’s League, the club has invested heavily in building a competitive squad with a blend of experienced Indian internationals and impactful foreign signings.
Players like Ashalata Devi, Pyari Xaxa, Soumya Guguloth and Fazila Ikwaput have played crucial roles in establishing the club as a powerhouse in Indian women’s football. Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput has particularly enjoyed an outstanding campaign, remaining among the league’s top scorers while consistently contributing with goals and assists throughout the season. Her partnership with Soumya has been one of the defining combinations of the league.
Elsewhere in Matchday 12 action, Gokulam Kerala FC defeated Sribhumi FC 1-0 to remain level on points with Nita Football Academy in the middle of the table. Sethu FC and SESA Football Academy shared points after a 1-1 draw, with Sethu continuing to occupy second place with 23 points. Kickstart FC Karnataka remain third with 19 points.
East Bengal’s successful title defence also reflects the increasing competitiveness and visibility of the Indian Women’s League in recent seasons. The league has continued to attract larger audiences, improved infrastructure and growing investment, helping raise the profile of women’s football across the country.
For East Bengal, however, this campaign will be remembered as one defined by consistency, attacking football and complete dominance. With two games still left to play, the champions now have the opportunity to finish the season in even more emphatic fashion while continuing to set new benchmarks in Indian women’s football.
