Gokulam Kerala stuns Odisha in Indian Women’s League

After starting off the season with two draws, Gokulam Kerala have pulled themselves up marvellously, winning six matches on the trot

HYDERABAD: Gokulam Kerala remained in the hunt for the Indian Women’s League football title, shocking defending champions Odisha FC 3-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar’s Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.

The winners led 2-0 at the break.

---

Fazila Ikwaput (42’, 59’) increased her goals tally to 15, scoring two against Odisha, while Juggernauts’ striker Pyari Xaxa (32’) scored an own goal. Substitute Neha (50’) scored for the hosts.

After starting off the season with two draws, Gokulam Kerala have pulled themselves up marvellously, winning six matches on the trot, and are currently placed at the top of the table with 20 points from eight matches. While East Bengal are two points behind them, they have played a match less. Odisha, on the other hand, are third, with 11 points from eight outings.

The Malabarians were at their hosts’ throats from the start, and goalkeeper Shreya Hooda had to pull off a couple of fine saves to keep her side level in the opening exchanges. She, however, got injured closer to the half-hour mark, and had to be replaced by Anshika, who’s first duty was to pull off a save at full stretch off a Fazila free-kick from close range.

Result: Gokulam Kerala FC 3 (Pyari Xaxa 32’ og, Fazila Ikwaput 42’, 59’) bt Odisha FC 1 (Neha 50’)