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IWL 2025-26 Match Preview: Defending champions East Bengal determined to end phase 1 with a perfect record against 3-time champions Gokulam Kerala. Pictures by Bibhash Lodh/BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kalyani, 8 January 2026: The first phase of the Indian Women's League (IWL) 2025-26 will conclude with a clash between defending champions East Bengal FC Women and last season's runners-up Gokulam Kerala FC at the Kalyani Stadium tomorrow afternoon (Kickoff - 2.30 PM).
While the two teams find themselves at the opposite halves of the table, Gokulam's IWL legacy and East Bengal's meteoric rise in women's football ensures a competitive battle before the first phase of the league ends to allow the players to join the Indian national team camp ahead of this year's AFC Asian Cup.
EBFC Women have displayed impeccable form in phase 1, carrying the momentum from their triumphant SAFF Women's Club Championship campaign. Under Head Coach Anthony Andrews' guidance, the 'Moshal Girls' have maintained a 100% win record in IWL 2025-26 and sit atop the points table with 15 points from 5 games (Goals scored: 22; goals conceded: 1).
The Red & Gold Women initially took time to find their rhythm, beating Sethu FC (1-0) and Garhwal United FC (2-1) by narrow margins in their first two outings. However, they shifted gears and have been at their lethal best since, registering emphatic wins over SESA FA (9-0), Nita FA (5-0) and Kickstart FC (5-0). The Kolkata-based club has effectively blended defensive solidity with a ruthless attack, spearheaded by two-time IWL Golden Boot-winner Fazila Ikwaput, who is the joint-top scorer in the current edition with 8 goals. A win on Friday would see them complete a perfect first half of the campaign.
Gokulam Kerala, once a dominant force in the IWL, have endured a mixed start to their 2025-26 campaign. Currently occupying the sixth spot in the standings with 7 points from 6 games (1 win, 4 draws and 1 defeat), the 'Malabarians' have struggled for consistency. They began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against NITA FA, before suffering a 0-4 loss to Sribhumi FC. Since the heavy defeat, Gokulam have been unbeaten so far, registering a draw against Sethu FC (1-1), a win over Kickstart FC (1-0), and consecutive draws against Garhwal United (1-1) and SESA FA (0-0).
*Speaking at the pre-match press conference, EBFC Women's Head Coach Anthony Andrews said*, "Playing against my former club is always special. This will be my third game against Gokulam since joining East Bengal. The last time we faced them, we defeated them at our club ground before lifting the trophy. We want to finish the first phase on a positive note. Although Gokulam have had a mixed start to their campaign, they are a strong unit and have been unbeaten in their last four games. We expect a tough challenge from them."
*EBFC Women's player Fazila Ikwaput said*, "Every game holds equal importance for us. We are very serious about our title defense and everyone is working very hard. I will do everything possible to help East Bengal defend the IWL title, while personally, I aim to win the IWL Golden Boot for the third straight year."