IWL 2023-24: Gokulam Kerala thrash Sports Odisha by 8-0; Soumya, Anju and Fazila with braces

Gokulam Kerala toyed with Sports Odisha's defence as they registerted the biggest win of the IWL 2023-24 season with an 8-0 win over the visitors at EMS Corporation Stadium, on Saturday. Soumya Guguloth, Anju Tamang and Fazila Ikwaput scored braces for Kerala while Sandhiya Ranganathan and Asem Roja Devi scored the other two goals for them.

One of the most successful and dangerous teams in Indian Women's League over the years, Gokulam did not look at their best in the first three games they had played this season. The goals were long due and they chose Sports Odisha to regain their mojo.

Meanwhile, Sports Odisha, who were still without a point in the tournament, could not do much against the quality players Gokulam had in their team.

The attack from the Gokulam Kerala team started from the whistle and Sandhiya Ranganathan just took 4 minutes to score the first goal of the match. Soumya Guguloth's left-footed cross from the right found Sandhiya unmarked inside the box who then headed the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Manju for the first goal of the match. The lack of awareness both from the goalkeeper and the defenders were quite evident within the first five minutes of the match.

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

Gokulam then took only eight more minutes to score their second as Anju Tamang netted the ball after Loitongbam Ashalata Devi's corner hit the post after refelting from the Sports Odisha defenders.

The onslaught kept on going as Gokulam Kerala scored their next three goals in a span of fifteen minutes. Asem Roja Devi scored the third goal of the match in the 23rd minute of the match. Fazila Ikwaput then scored two goals in the 33rd and 38th minute of the match.

Asem Roja Devi found the net after Anju Tamang's cross found Fazila inside the box, who passed it to Asem Roja Devi for one of the simplest goals you will ever see.

In the 33rd minute, Anju found Fazila with a delicate pass who did not miss the opportunity to net the ball pass the incoming goalkeeper. It was the Ugandan's first goal of the IWL 2023-24. Five minutes later, Fazila scored her second goal and fifth of the match, as Sandhiya's pass found her inside the box. Fazila then made sure Gokulam get their fifth with a clean right-footed finish.

Soumya Guguloth then scored the sixth goal of the match in the 45th minute after toying with Sports Odisha's defence inside the box. A strong left-footed finish and Sports Odisha looked helpless on the field.

We could only see two more goals from the Gokulam Kerala team in the second half. Sports Odisha did look like a little bit better with their defence while there was lack of intent from the Gokulam Kerala strikers as well in the second half.

Soumya Guguloth scored her second goal of the match in the 50th minute and then Anju Tamang scored her second in the added minutes of the match to complete the onslaught on the Sports Odisha team.

Sandhiya Ranganathan was adjudged the player of the match.

Now, with 7 points in 4 matches, Gokulam Kerala are at the number three position at the IWL 2023-24 points table. Meanwhile, Sports Odisha, with 4 consecutive defeats are at the bottom of the table.