IWL 2023-24: 3-on-3 Odisha FC climb to top spot in IWL standings after a hard-fought win against Sethu FC

Indumathi Kathiresan's solo goal from the penalty spot gave Odisha FC their third win of the IWL 2023-24 season over a resilient Sethu FC in Bhubaneshwar on Friday.

The hosts, Odisha FC had to wait till the 66th minute to get the lead and secure three points at their own turf. With this win, Odisha FC have now taken over Kickstart FC as the table topper in Indian Women's League (IWL) 2023-24.

Sethu FC, who were coming from a great win against East Bengal, looked confident from the word go and started attacking with Kaviya and Malavika causing few problems for the hosts. However, Odisha FC, who were still to concede any goals in the tournament, were able to make the comeback quickly to hold their position.

Pyari Xaxa was the first one to get a sniff of the goal but wasted any easy opportunity to allow the scoreline to be goalless. Pyari's header from a cross just went past the post. Indhumati then hit the post from a close range in the 27th minute as Odisha FC kept on putting pressure on the Sethu FC defence. The first half ended in a goalless draw.

Also Read: IWL 2023-24: HOPS FC hand East Bengal their third defeat of the season

At the start of the second half, Sanju Yadav replaced Arifa Zaheer in the Odisha FC lineup to give the attacking force more boost for the hosts. Soon nearly it resulted in a goal for them but S Lynda Kom missed a chance to open her account in the tournament from a close range in the 49th minute of the match.

In the 60th minute, Pyari had the chance to give her team the lead, but could not connect the shot properly from an excellent pass by former India U-17 Women's team captain Astam Oraon.

The continuous pressure from the Odisha FC players finally paid off when Sonali Chemate fouled Pyari Xaxa from behind, who was running away with the ball dribbling past the defenders inside the penalty box. Referee did not hesitate to whistle and award a penalty for the home team.

Indumathi Kathiresan was cool and calm to put the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal in the 66th minute for the first and only goal of the match.

After the goal, Sethu FC kept on looking for a goal and tried their best to reach the final third. However, the lack of finishing skill from the visitors, did not help them in their plan. Finally, Sethu FC had to digest their first loss of the season.

Post this defeat, Sethu FC slipped down to the number three position in the points table while Odisha FC climbed to the top with 9 points.