Defending champions East Bengal FC secured their second consecutive win of the season by defeating a spirited newly promoted Garhwal United FC side 2-1 at the Kalyani Stadium. The victory ensured East Bengal maintained their perfect start to the IWL 2025-26 season.
East Bengal dominated the proceedings for the majority of the match, controlling the midfield and creating numerous chances. They finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Sulanjana Raul expertly volleyed a cross from the right flank, delivered by Soumya Goguloth, past the Garhwal goalkeeper Ribansi Jamu.
The home side continued to press in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded in the 63rd minute. A corner kick from Ashalata Devi Loitongbam was headed by Soumya Guguloth towards Fazila Ikwaput, who unleashed a brilliant, fierce volley from a difficult angle that rocketed into the back of the net, doubling the lead.
Garhwal United, who had struggled to create meaningful attacks, found a lifeline in the 72nd minute through a goal from substitute Monisha Singha. Monisha chased a deep cross from Shruti Kumari and attempted to pull it back, but her cross-turned-shot looped unexpectedly over East Bengal goalkeeper Panthoi Chau Elangbam and into the goal. This was the first goal conceded by East Bengal in their last seven games across all competitions. Despite the late goal injecting some urgency into the Garhwal side, East Bengal managed to hold on for a crucial 2-1 win, ending Garhwal United’s winning streak in the league. Garhwal goalkeeper Ribansi Jamu made some impressive saves, including one from Fazila’s shot in the 68th minute, despite conceding twice.
East Bengal FC entered the match as the defending IWL champions, seeking to record back-to-back wins to begin their title defense. This victory gives them 6 points from 2 matches. This was Garhwal United FC’s debut IWL campaign following promotion. They had started strongly with back-to-back wins, but this match makes their first-ever IWL loss, putting them on 6 points from 3 matches.
The results of other matches of Round 3 played on Saturday are as under:
Sribhumi FC 1-0 Sesa FA, Kickstart FC 0-5 Nita FA and Sethu FC 1-1 Gokulam Kerala FC
Round 4 of the IWL 2025-26 is scheduled on Tuesday, 30th December, 2025, wherein Garhwal United FC will play against Nita FA at 9.00 AM at the National Centre of Excellence, Kolkata.
Earlier matches
