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Gokulam Kerala FC have been crowned the Indian Women’s League (IWL) champions for the third consecutive time after a commanding 5-0 victory in the final against Kickstart FC Karnataka.
The two-time IWL champions started on the front foot and their intensity in and out of possession was evident from the first whistle. They were rewarded for their outburst as early as the fifth minute. In a moment of pure magic, Sabitra Bhandari’s powerful strike from 30 yards out found the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper stranded.
After the initial onslaught, Kickstart FC began stringing passes in midfield. However, Gokulam Kerala’s ruthlessness in front of goal meant that they doubled the lead in the 21st minute. This time, winger Sandhiya wriggled past two challenges on the right flank, before finding the back of the net from an improbable angle.
Kickstart’s first attempt at goal came around the half-hour mark. Kaviya Pakkirisamy found a pocket of space near the edge of the box and unleashed a shot. The effort had GKFC’s custodian Beatrice worried, but narrowly missed the target.
The side from Karnataka crumbled like a house of cards, with Gokulam Kerala adding a third in the 35th minute. Dalima Chhibber was deemed to have handled the ball in the penalty box and the referee had no hesitation to point to the spot. Indumathi stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick for her ninth goal of the season.
The Malabarians had a couple more opportunities to further dent their opponents’ morale, but Bhandari failed to convert them. The first half was certainly one-sided with Gokulam Kerala taking a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Gokulam Kerala FC add two more goals in the second half to secure a resounding victory
Kickstart FC showcased their talent early in the second half as they penetrated Gokulam’s defense on a couple of occasions. Their first shot on target came just two minutes into the half as Wangkhem Devi’s long-range shot was tipped over the bar by Beatrice.
But it was Gokulam Kerala’s turn to further impose their dominance and they scored their fourth of the night in the 51st minute. Bhandari’s exceptional dribbling ability was on display as she weaved past the full-back before teeing up Sandhiya, who made no mistake in front of goal.
The champions slowed the tempo down and took the sting out of the game, but they were able to net their fifth goal with ten minutes of regulation time left. Bhandari was involved once again and her cut-back found Roja Devi in the six-yard box who had a simple tap-in.
Gokulam Kerala ultimately sealed the IWL with a stunning 5-0 victory. They have been unstoppable this season, winning nine of their ten games and scoring a whopping 64 goals over the course of the campaign. They continue to set higher standards, securing their third IWL in as many seasons.
