East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC
East Bengal made a strong statement in their Indian Women's League opener, defeating Kickstart FC with a solid performance. The team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, set down the foundation for a promising campaign.
East Bengal commenced their Indian Women's League (IWL) 2024-25 season with a commendable 2- 0 victory over Kickstart FC at the historic East Bengal Ground on 10th January 2025. Two brilliant goals scored by Sandhya Ranganathan and Resty Nanzary are enough to take three points for the Red and Gold brigade.
The home side's first goal materialized by another regular starter for India Soumya Guguloth played a crucial role in that goal. She delivered a ball from the right for Sulanjana Raul, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound was found by Sandhya Ranganathan, who netted it with a beautiful header.
Maintaining their momentum, East Bengal doubled their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Ugandan recruit Resty Nanzari, made a beautiful run from the left side of the pitch and showcased her skill by delivering a precise low shot into the near post, and securing a goal. That was enough to start a season with a commendable victory for the home side.
Kickstart FC, originating from Bengaluru, attempted to penetrate East Bengal's defence but struggled to create promising opportunities in the attacking third. The host's defence was rock solid and effectively neutralized a clean sheet to start their IWL campaign on a positive note.
The victory provided East Bengal with a solid foundation for positive progress in the IWL season, they were rock solid in defence and also offensively great. Conversely, Kickstart FC will aim to enhance their strategies in the upcoming matches to rebound from the initial setback.
Best 10 Women's Footballers in the World Right Now
Who are the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now making an impact globally? Find out who makes their way to the list with Aitana Bonmati topping the chart.
Football knows no gender, and the talented women are proving that with their breathtaking gameplay. The world of women's football is setting new standards which has made it difficult to pick the best ones.
Based on the current landscape of the sport, check out the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.
10. Lauren James
Lauren James celebrating her goal in a match against Aston Villa in 2022. Image | Pinterest
National Team: England
Club: Chelsea
Position: Forward
Goals: 65
Lauren James is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea in the WSL. She has won the PFAWomen's Young Player of the Year award in 2022-23 for her exceptional skills at a young age.
She previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United and switched to Chelsea in 2021. She has scored a total of 58 goals in 155 appearances across all clubs.
Lauren plays a major role in the England women's team, having 7 international goals in 27 appearances for England.
Klara Bühl adding a goal to their victory of 6-0 against Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2023. Image | Pinterest
National Team: Germany
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Forward
Goals: 92
Klara Bühl is a professional german player who plays as left winger or forward. She is 17 year old and is considered as one of the best young wingers in Europe.
She was a part of SC Freiburg for four years before joining FC Bayern Munich in 2020. Klara has scored 65 goals in 230 appearances for clubs, and 27 international goals in 65 appearances for Germany.
Salma Paralluelo after scoring a goal Atlético de Madrid Femenino in 2024. Image | Instagram
National Team: Spain
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Forward
Goals: 99
The Spanish left winger, Salma Paralluelo, is a born champion, with all three 3 World Cups to her name. She started her career as a sprinter and holds several records in the categories of under 16 and 18.
Salma won the FIFA Women's World Cup with the Spanish senior team in 2023, the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2020, and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2018. She also won the U-17 UEFA U-17 Women's Championship in 2018.
Salma has scored 85 goals in 125 club appearances and 14 goals in 35 appearances for Spain.
Linda Caicedo after scoring a goal against Germany in FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. Image | FIFPro
National Team: Colombia
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Forward
Goals: 46
Linda Caicedo is a Colombian footballer who has reached commendable milestones at a young age of 20. She plays as a forward for Real Madrid, and has been associated with football legends like Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman for commercial ad campaigns.
She played for América Cali and Deportivo Cali before joining Real Madrid, and scored a total of 33 goals in 92 appearances across all of them.
Linda has scored 13 goals to her name in 42 appearances for Colombia.
#FU17WWC Bronze Boot🥾 & Silver Ball ⚽ winner Linda Caicedo makes her senior #FIFAWWC debut 🫡
Alessia Russo after scoring a goal in a Arse's 4-1 WSL win over Chelsea in 2023. Image | Facebook
National Team: England
Club: Arsenal
Position: Forward
Goals: 87
Alessia Russo is a professional footballer who plays for England and the WSL club Arsenal as a forward. She has exceptional records, including being awarded the player of the month and goal of the month for Arsenal.
Alessia is known for her aggressive gameplay and match-winning abilities. She played for other clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United before, and was also the top scorer twice.
Her club goals count to 66 in 138 appearances across all clubs and 21 in 49 appearances for England.
Khadija Shaw in action for Manchester City in a WSL match against Liverpool. Image | womenfootball.blog
National Team: Jamaica
Club: Manchester City
Position: Forward
Goals: 182
The all-time top scorer, Khadija Shaw, is one of the world's best strikers from Jamaica, who also plays as a forward for Manchester City.
Khadija holds the record for the most hat-tricks in the history of the Women's Super League. She scored 125 goals in her 144 club appearances and 57 goals in 44 appearances for Jamaica!
She was named The Guardian Footballer of the Year in 2018 as a tribute to her legendary contributions in football.
4. Alexia Putellas
Alexia putellas in action for Spain in a football match. Image | Business Insider
National Team: Spain
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Midfielder
Goals: 260
Alexis Putellas is a Spanish midfielder or forward who currently plays for Barcelona. She is the captain of Barcelona and has won all the individual European football awards.
Alexis is widely appreciated for her style of play and aura. She has previously played for Espanyol and Levante, having a total of 226 goals in 515 appearances across all clubs.
She scored 34 goals for the Spanish National Team in 130 appearances. Alexis also won Ballon d'Or Féminin for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.
3. Caroline Graham Hansen
Caroline Graham Hansen during a match playing for Barcelona. Image | BBC
National Team: Norway
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Winger
Goals: 225
Caroline Graham Hansen is a Norwegian footballer who is one of the best wingers in the world. She plays for Barcelona and has won prestigious awards like Statoil Talent Award of the Year and others.
Hansen has exceptional dribbling and passing skills, which never fail to amaze the fans. She played for other clubs like Stabæk and Wolfsburg and scored 180 goals in all 404 appearances.
Her goals count to 45 in 95 international caps for Norway.
Sophia Smith celebrating her goal against Vietnam in World Cup Opener in 2023. Image | The Today Show
National Team: USA
Club: Portland Thorns
Position: Forward
Goals: 74
Sophia Smith is an American footballer who plays as a forward for the team. She plays for the NWSL club Portland Thorns and was named the most valuable player for them, along with the Golden Boot, in 2022.
Sophia scored 3 goals in the Paris Olympics 2024 for the US National Team. She earned her national team cap in 2020 and became the youngest player to debut for the US Women's National Team.
She scored 50 goals in 95 appearances for Portland Thorns FC and 24 goals in 58 appearances for the USA.
Her contributions in the world of football makes her way to the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.
Aitana Bonmatí celebrates after scoring a goal for Barcelona in the Champions League Final in 2024. Image | Pinterest
National Team: Spain
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Midfielder
Goals: 134
Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona. She is one of the greatest of all time in football history. Her elegant style of play is a treat to the eyes.
The Spanish National team captain won the Ballon d'Or Féminin, Laureus World Sports Award, and Golden Player Woman Award for her incredible 2023 season for Spain and Barcelona. She is the first women's player to win The Best, Ballon d'Or, UEFA Player of the Year and World Cup Golden Ball in the same year
Mary Earps celebrating a goal save during a match for England. Image | FIFPro
The legendary English goalkeeper, Mary Earps, is a name honorary mention for this list. She plays for PSG and is considered to have the safest pair of hands when it comes to football. Earps' legendary performance in the UEFA Euro 2022 will always be remembered in the history of English football, as they lifted the European Championship.
Earps played for a total of 11 clubs, including Manchester United and became the first goalkeeper to reach 50 clean sheets in the WSL.
Earps received the Golden Glove Award for her record-breaking 14 clean sheets in 2024 for Manchester United. She is a two-time FIFA Best and Golden Glove winner.
Her iconic contributions deserves a special place in the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.
AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players
Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth won the Best Men's and Women's Player of the Year Awards, respectively, in the recently concluded AIFF Awards 2025. Here are all the winners this season.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the best of Indian football at the AIFF Awards 2025, held today in Bhubaneswar, honouring outstanding players, coaches, referees, and member associations for their contributions during the 2024-25 season.
Subhasish Bose recieving the Best Men's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFFSoumya Guguloth won the Women's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFF
The ceremony highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian football, with Mohun Bagan SG’s Subhasish Bose and East Bengal FC’s Soumya Guguloth crowned Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively.
AIFF Awards 2025 Winners
Individual Awards
Men's Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG, Defender)
Recognised for his leadership as captain and stellar performances for Mohun Bagan SG as the mariners became the first team to defend the ISL Shield, along with reclaiming the ISL Cup. Bose kept 13 clean sheets as a defender and scored 6 goals as well.
Women's Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal FC, Forward)
Honoured as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and a key player for the Blue Tigresses. She helped East Bengal FC win the IWL 2024-25 title.
Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
Awarded for holding the record for the most clean sheets in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Kaith had a record 15 clean sheets in ISL 2024-25 and conceded only 19 goals across 26 appearances
Most Promising Men's Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (Midfielder)
Noted for his midfield mastery and potential as a rising star.
Most Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha (Haryana, Winger)
Recognised for her performances, including 2 goals in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship and 3 goals in the Senior Women’s National Championship.
Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
Won for the second consecutive year for leading Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.
Women's Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sreebhumi FC)
Awarded for guiding newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC to a third-place finish in the IWL.
Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
Acknowledged for consistent officiating on the pitch.
Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
Recognised for her officiating excellence.
Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P
Member Association (MA) Awards
Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
For dominance in men’s competitions, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal winning major titles.
Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
Recognised for success in the National Football Championships.
Best MA for Supporting Women’s Football: Punjab Football Association
Honoured for contributions to women’s football development.
Best MA for Hosting Most AIFF Competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
For hosting numerous AIFF events.
MA with Most Player Registrations (Men’s): Kerala Football Association
For the highest number of male player registrations.
MA with Most Player Registrations (Women’s): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
For leading in female player registrations.
Special Award for MA Launching New Projects: Gujarat State Football Association
For innovative football initiatives.
MA with Most Grassroots Activities: Gujarat State Football Association
For extensive grassroots programs.
MA with Most Youth Tournaments Conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
For organising numerous youth tournaments.
MA with Most Coaching Courses: Punjab Football Association
For conducting the most coaching courses.
MA with Most Refereeing Courses: Gujarat State Football Association
Kerala Blasters FC started their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on a high note by knocking out defending champions East Bengal by 2-0 in Bhubaneshwar on Sunday. Noah Sadaoui and Jesús Jiménez scored the goals for the Kerala Blasters as they outplayed the Kolkata side.
Jesús Jiménez opened the scoring for Kerala as he found the back of the net from a penalty in the 40th minute of the match. In the second half, Noah Sadaoui extended the lead for the Manjapadas in the 64th minute to hand them an easy win.
Blasters looked threatening from the word go as Jesus nearly scored from Noah's delivery in the second minute of the game. They kept on applying the pressure, but could not find the end result despite a few chances created by Noah.
Noah Sadaoui's banger from outside the box in Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal FC match in Kalinga Super Cup 2025. pic.twitter.com/uWjrbpLMDZ
But it wasn't until the 40th minute that Jesus Jimenez stepped up to take the penalty after Gill made a foul inside the box.
In the 64th minute, Noah scored a screamer of a goal to extend the lead, which was eventually good enough for them to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Noah Sadaoui was the player of the match. Image | KBFC on X
Kerala Blasters will now face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarter-final on 26th April. For those who do not know, Mohun Bagan SG will play from the quarter-final directly after they received a bye in the round of 16.
"Today, the team showed me that they still have something inside, and they wanted to compete and do their best. I’m proud of them cuz the work they’ve done is amazing. We’ll have to see about Luna. He felt that it wasn’t good and asked for a change. We’ll see," Balsters' coach David Catala said after the win.
IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up
East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.
East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.
Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.
The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.
Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.
Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.
The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.
For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League 2024-25. This evening, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the thrilling encounter between NorthEast United FC and East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
NorthEast United are currently positioned fifth on the leaderboard with 35 points in 23 games. On the total contrary, East Bengal are positioned eighth, having earned 28 points in 23 matches.
This evening, both teams will take the field for the last league stage game of the 2024-25 season. However, the Highlanders will look to progress on the league table, whereas the Red and Gold Brigade have nothing to lose, as they are already out of the qualification race.
So, sit back and enjoy the match as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary tonight.
This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.
LIVE Updates
Mar 8, 2025, 1:30 PM
ISL 2024-25 table after this game
NorthEast and East Bengal wrap up their ISL 2024-25 league stage campaign.
Debjit punched the ball away, as East Bengal's defensive error led the ball to Bemammer. The Moroccan midfielder fired the ball into the net with a powerful right-footed strike from a distance!
Mar 8, 2025, 1:13 PM
84' | Second yellow for Tanmay
Tanmay Das gets the second yellow for committing another foul, and he is sent off.
East Bengal are down to ten men.
Mar 8, 2025, 1:09 PM
78' | GOAL. Ajaraie converts! | NEUFC 3-0 EBFC
Alaaeddine Ajaraie has completed his brace, as his low strike from the spot beat Debjit through the bottom-right corner.
Mar 8, 2025, 1:06 PM
76' | Penalty for NorthEast!
Tanmoy Das seemingly fouled Alaaeddine Ajaraie inside the penalty area, as the referee whistled for a penalty!
Well, the TV replay clearly shows it was a minimal connection. That cannot be a penalty.
Another unfair decision against the Kolkata giants.
Mar 8, 2025, 1:04 PM
75' | Substitutions for East Bengal
In: Sayan Banerjee, Anandhu Nambrath Sundran
Out: Hira Mondal, PV Vishnu
Mar 8, 2025, 1:02 PM
73' | Close chance for Guillermo!
Guillermo Fernandez found himself in a one on one situation with Debjit, but his strike went inches off the far post!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:59 PM
66' | Yellow for Tanmoy
Tanmoy Das received a booking.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:58 PM
Milestone alert!
Alaaeddine Ajaraie becomes the fourth footballer in the Indian Super League history to score against every opposition in a single season.
Miku, Kalu Uche and Coro previously achieved this feat.
Macarton headed the ball on target, but the second ball was taken down by Macarton with his hand. Debjit made a save but the rebound was powerfully slotted in by Ajaraie!
However, this was a clear handball and East Bengal players also appealed strongly, but the goal stands.
It is another unfair decision against East Bengal.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:54 PM
65' | Debjit stays resilient!
Bemammer took a first-time grounded strike that was well-stopped by Debjit!
Nestor Albiach has found the breakthrough for NorthEast!
Ajaraie backheeled a pass to Tondonba running on the left, who delivered a low cross inside the box that was slotted inside with a swift touch from Nestor Albiach.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:45 PM
56' | Another great stop from Debjit!
Nestor Albiach chipped the ball from inside a crowd on the right, but Debjit made a huge stop on a full stretch!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:40 PM
51' | Yellow for Suman
Suman Dey received a booking for a foul.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:39 PM
50' | Chance for NorthEast
Parthib Gogoi entered the box from the left, as he cut inside and attempted a shot, but the ball soared over the crossbar!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:38 PM
46' | Second half begins
Mar 8, 2025, 12:34 PM
Half-time substitutions | NorthEast United
In: Parthib Gogoi, Robin Yadav
Out: Mayakkannan, Sumit Rathi
Mar 8, 2025, 12:19 PM
45'+4' | The half-time whistle is blown | HT NEUFC 0-0 EBFC
Mar 8, 2025, 12:17 PM
45'+1' | Good effort from Jesin
Jesin TK dribbled past the opposition defender to cut inside and slotted a left-footed shot from the right, but it went over the crossbar.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:16 PM
45' | 3 minutes of added time announced
Mar 8, 2025, 12:15 PM
44' | Chance for East Bengal
Cleiton cut NorthEast's defence in halves with a forward pass from the top of the box, which was followed by David, but he fell down as Mirshad came forward to make a collection.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:12 PM
41' | Marvellous save from Mirshad!
PV Vishnu received the long ball from Hira Mondal from the down the middle. Vishnu entered the penalty area from the left as he cut inside and unleashed a right-footed inswing curler that was punched over the crossbar by Mirshad!
Such brilliance from both Vishnu and Mirshad!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:10 PM
40' | Chance for NorthEast
Ajaraie tried to test his luck with a quick and powerful strike, but the ball got deflected.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:07 PM
37' | Good stop from Debjit
The long-ranger effort from Nestor Albiach from a distance was calmly stopped and grabbed by the East Bengal custodian.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:03 PM
32' | What a save from Debjit!
Ajaraie delivered a vicious cross from the left, as Nestor Albiach got to the end of it to power an on-target header. Debjit stopped the shot from going in with a brilliant punch, sending the ball over the crossbar!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:02 PM
32' | Easy catch for Mirshad
This time Cleiton kept his shot on target, but Mirshad made a routine collection.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:56 AM
25' | So close for Guillermo!
Receiving a long ball from the middle of the park, Guillermo followed it up to the touchline and slotted a strike, but the ball only went past the target.
Lucky survival for East Bengal!
Mar 8, 2025, 11:53 AM
22' | Yellow for Dinesh
Dinesh Singh gets booked for a foul.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:53 AM
22' | Off target from Cleiton
Cleiton Silva soared the set-piece free-kick just inches over the crosspiece.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:52 AM
17' | Chance for East Bengal
David unleashed an ambitious long-ranger from the left, but the ball went too high over the crossbar!
Mar 8, 2025, 11:44 AM
13' | Chance for Bemammer
Dinesh headed the ball into the box from the right, which was anticipated by Bemammer in the center of the box, but his acrobatic volleyed effort went over the target.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:43 AM
12' | Wide from Nestor
Nestor Albiach attempted a strike following a second ball off a free-kick move, but his shot deflected off the opposition defence.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:38 AM
7' | Great block from Debjit
Following a corner, Dinesh Singh tried to find the back of the net with a grounded strike from the left, but Debjit Majumder made a crucial save.
On November 29th, 2024, East Bengal FC defeated NorthEast United 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the VYBK in Kolkata. Dimitrios Diamantakos scored the only goal, whereas East Bengal's Lalchungnunga and NorthEast's Bemammer both were sent off in the heated game.
Mar 8, 2025, 8:16 AM
Looking to end the campaign on a high
Coach Bino and Jesin spoke about the squad's determination to end our #ISL campaign on a positive note! 💯
Football fans in India can watch the game in ISL 2024-25 on Star Sports Network, Sports18 3 TV Channel, the JioHotstar App, and the JioHotstar website.
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