IWL 2023-24: Karishma Shirvoikar's hat-trick helps Kickstart FC beat East Bengal by 3-1

Karishma Shirvoikar's first hat-trick of the IWL 2023-24 season, led Kickstart FC to a convincing 3-1 victory over East Bengal at the Bangalore Football Stadium on December 16, 2023. Last season's finalists, Kickstart FC, now claim the top spot on the table with six points after two rounds.

While the final scoreline may suggest an easy win, Kickstart's performance on their home turf faced challenges from the red and gold briage. The visiting team kept on making notable efforts in the opponent's goal area. Despite East Bengal's commendable attempts, Kickstart remained focused, executing their defensive strategies effectively.

Karishma played a pivotal role with consistent attacks from the right flank throughout the game. Exploiting East Bengal's vulnerable defense, she capitalized on opportunities, although she could have added more goals with better accuracy.

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After missing two opportunities earlier, Karishma breached East Bengal's defense just before halftime. Facing two defenders, she skillfully covered the ball and slotted it into the far corner for the first goal of the match.

Despite East Bengal's attempts in the second half, Karishma continued to be a threat. In the 69th minute of the match, she outmaneuvered two defenders, and although her shot lacked the expected power, it found the net, leaving East Bengal's goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu unable to anticipate the trajectory quickly enough for the second goal of the match.

East Bengal briefly posed a threat in the final five minutes when substitute Sulanjana Raul showcased her skills with a well-placed shot. However, any hopes of a grand comeback were dashed when Karishma sealed her hat-trick with another goal on the run, securing a decisive victory for Kickstart FC.

The match report was created from a press release by AIFF.