East Bengal Women Defeat Reigning Champions Odisha to End 21-Year Wait and Clinch Historic IWL Title

Ending a 21-year drought in Indian football, East Bengal’s women’s team etched their names into the club’s folklore by capturing their maiden Indian Women’s League (IWL) title with a composed 1-0 triumph over reigning champions Odisha FC.

Soumya Guguloth’s decisive strike in the 67th minute proved to be the difference on a night marked by tension, missed chances, and sheer resilience. With this victory, the Red and Gold brigade not only lifted the silverware but also secured India’s solitary berth in the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Club Championship.

A Season of Redemption and Rise

This campaign marked just the third top-flight season for East Bengal’s women’s side, and they made every match count. Overcoming one opponent after another, the team fell short only once—against title rivals Gokulam Kerala.

But their overall consistency and determination ensured that they stood above the rest before the final matchday. With one more fixture to go on April 18, where the champions will officially receive their trophy in Kalyani, East Bengal have already made history.

Odisha’s Title Defence Ends in Agony

For Odisha FC, the result was doubly bitter. Not only did they relinquish their hold on the championship, but they now find themselves teetering on the edge of relegation.

With only one game remaining and their fate no longer in their control, the defending champions are in deep trouble. It’s a shocking fall for a team that was once the benchmark in the league.

Missed Opportunities in a Tense First Half

Despite entering the contest as favorites, East Bengal struggled to convert early dominance into goals. Their attacking trio—Maurine Achieng, Elshaddai Acheampong, and Guguloth—combined fluidly but couldn’t break the deadlock in the first 30 minutes. The most notable opportunity came when Achieng’s powerful header, courtesy of a pinpoint cross by Sandhiya Ranganathan, was met by an acrobatic diving save from Odisha goalkeeper Nandini.

Odisha, meanwhile, responded strongly before halftime. Pyari Xaxa, a constant threat, nearly beat East Bengal’s experienced backline with a solo run but faltered when it mattered most, blasting high with only goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu to beat. The first half ended in a frenzy, as both teams created chances—Xaxa’s header cleared off the line by Karthika Angamuthu, and Acheampong’s rocket from distance narrowly missing the post.

A Spark Off the Bench Turns the Game

The second half saw a momentum shift in favor of Odisha, who looked hungrier and more urgent. Xaxa again spurned a golden chance inside the six-yard box, pushing a loose ball wide after a goalmouth scramble. With the pressure building, East Bengal needed a game-changer.

They found one in Anju Tamang. Returning from injury and having scored in the previous match against Sribhumi, Tamang was introduced midway through the half and brought immediate energy. She tested Nandini soon after entering, unleashing a volley that demanded a reflex stop. Her influence would grow.

In the 67th minute, Tamang turned creator with a sublime through ball that dissected Odisha’s defence. Guguloth timed her run perfectly, collected the pass, and calmly slotted it past a helpless Nandini to send the home fans into raptures.

Holding Firm in the Face of Desperation

With the lead secured, East Bengal’s focus turned to managing the game. Odisha threw everything forward, driven by survival instincts, but East Bengal’s seasoned backline stood strong. Having several players with championship experience helped steady nerves during the chaotic final stages. Every clearance, interception, and block carried weight, as the hosts tightened their grip on the contest.

The final whistle signaled more than just the end of a match—it marked the beginning of a new era for East Bengal. “We wanted to win this for the fans and for ourselves. It’s been a long journey,” said a jubilant Tamang after the match. As the players embraced and the crowd erupted, the magnitude of their achievement became clear. From underdogs to champions, East Bengal’s women had carved out a legacy.

On April 18, they will be officially crowned champions. But on this night, with history written and dreams realized, the celebration had already begun.

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