AIFF Media Team

Kolkata, Wednesday, May 6, 2026: Kickstart FC Karnataka registered a crucial 2-1 comeback victory over East Bengal FC in Indian Women’s League 2025-26 on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Elsewhere, Gokulam Kerala FC secured a commanding 6-2 win against Garhwal United FC, Sribhumi FC staged a brilliant second-half fightback to hold SESA Football Academy to a 2-2 draw, and Sethu, Madurai produced a stunning second-half turnaround to defeat Nita FA 3-1.

East Bengal FC – 1 (Fazila Ikwaput 7’)
Kickstart FC Karnataka – 2 (Emem Peace Essien 16’, Th Babysana Devi 58’)

At the East Bengal Ground, Kickstart FC Karnataka pulled off the upset of the season, handing defending champions East Bengal FC a 2-1 defeat and halting their phenomenal nine-match winning streak.

The Moshal Girls made a dream start in the seventh minute. Resty Nanziri broke through and, rather than taking the shot herself, unselfishly passed to prolific forward Fazila Ikwaput, who made no mistake from inside the box.

However, their joy was short-lived. In the 16th minute, a long ball caused a disastrous mix-up between East Bengal goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu and defender Ashalata Devi. Emem Peace Essien quickly pounced on the goalkeeping howler, slotting the ball home to restore parity at 1-1.

The match was then halted for around half an hour due to severe rain and thunderstorms. Once play resumed in the tricky conditions, both sides battled fiercely for midfield supremacy.

Kickstart found the decisive breakthrough in the 58th minute through an absolute screamer. Th Babysana Devi unleashed a powerful curler from 20 yards out that left the East Bengal goalkeeper completely clueless, putting Kickstart in the lead.

Despite relentless late pressure from the hosts to protect their 100 per cent record, Kickstart’s defence held firm to secure three vital points. Sandhya Maity was named the Player of the Match for her commanding performance.

Garhwal United FC – 2 (Sanfida Nongrum 16’, Shruti Kumari 27’)
Gokulam Kerala FC – 6 (Emueje Ogbiagbevha 11’, 42’, Theertha Lakshmi E 22’, Muskan Subba 70’, Th Sahena 90+3’, Priyanka Kashyap 90+5’)

In a high-scoring encounter at the National Centre of Excellence, Gokulam Kerala FC registered a massive 6-2 victory over Garhwal United FC.

The first half was a thrilling, back-and-forth affair. Gokulam took an early lead through Emueje Ogbiagbevha in the 11th minute. Garhwal United responded swiftly, with Sanfida Nongrum equalising in the 16th minute.

Gokulam regained the lead through Theertha Lakshmi E in the 22nd minute, but Garhwal fought back again, drawing level at 2-2 thanks to Shruti Kumari's 27th-minute strike. Just before the break, Emueje grabbed her second goal of the afternoon in the 42nd minute to give Gokulam a narrow 3-2 advantage at half-time.

Gokulam Kerala completely dominated the second half, pulling away from Garhwal. Muskan Subba extended their lead in the 70th minute with a fine finish. They then added the finishing touches deep into stoppage time with Th Sahena striking in the 93th minute, followed immediately by Priyanka Kashyap in the 95th minute, completing the 6-2 rout. Emueje Ogbiagbevha was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for her crucial brace.

SESA Football Academy – 2 (Bertha Adhiambo Omita 37’, Aniela Barretto 55’)
Sribhumi Football Club – 2 (Ngangom Bala Devi 47’, 84’)

Over at the East Bengal Ground in the afternoon kick-off, Sribhumi FC mounted a spectacular second-half comeback to hold SESA Football Academy to a 2-2 draw.

SESA started the match brightly, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute when Bertha Adhiambo Omita fired a powerful strike into the net, leaving Sribhumi trailing at the interval.

However, veteran forward Ngangom Bala Devi took charge of proceedings after the restart. She pulled one back for Sribhumi just two minutes into the second half (47') with a sharp, poacher's finish.

SESA retook the lead shortly after, with Aniela Barretto finding the target in the 55th minute. Continuing to pressure the SESA defence, Bala Devi struck again in the 84th minute, equalising with a brilliant effort to rescue a hard-fought point for her side. Her heroic brace earned her the Player of the Match honours.

Nita Football Academy – 1 (Neha 17’)
Sethu, Madurai – 3 (Malavika P 69’, 81’, Ruchi 72’)

In the final match of the day at the National Centre of Excellence, Sethu, Madurai orchestrated a stunning second-half turnaround to defeat Nita Football Academy 3-1.

Nita FA started the match on the front foot and took an early lead in the 17th minute when Neha found the back of the net. They maintained their 1-0 advantage going into the half-time break, frustrating the Sethu attackers with a well-organised defensive shape.

However, the second half belonged entirely to Sethu, Madurai. The introduction of Malavika P completely shifted the momentum in the visitors' favour. She found the equaliser in the 69th minute with a fine finish to bring Sethu back into the contest. Sethu quickly capitalised on this shift, taking the lead just three minutes later when Ruchi struck in the 72nd minute.

As Sethu continued to press, Malavika found the target again in the 81st minute to complete her brace and seal a commanding 3-1 comeback win. Malavika P’s game-changing performance earned her the Player of the Match award.