Sethu Madurai extended their winning streak in the Hero Indian Women’s League. They defeated Lords FA Kochi 4-1 in their Group B fixture at the TransStadia on April 30th, 2023. Last season’s runners-up won convincingly. Thanks to a brace from Kajol D’Souza and goals from Sumita Kumari and Naorem Priyangka Devi.
In the first half, Sethu FC’s Kajol D’Souza and Malvika P were a force to be reckoned with. D’Souza came near to breaking the tie when she was superbly set up by Malavika early in the game. But her shot was narrowly missed.
Sethu Madurai reaped the advantages of their frequent excursions at goal. Breaking the deadlock in the opening minute of the second half thanks to a stunning shot by Sumati Kumari. On the left wing, D’Souza and Gladys Zonunsangi worked effectively together until the former unleashed Sumati Kumari with a superb through pass. Kumar, unmarked on the left, attempted a left-footed cross that looped over and beat Lords FA Kochi keeper Yadhu Priya, putting into the top far corner of the goal.
Sethu Madurai defeats Lords FA
In the 59th minute, Sethu increased their advantage with a second goal. Moreover, Kumari’s left-wing cross found Kenyan attacker Dorcas Sikobe on the brink of the penalty area. Sikobe extended her body and attempted to score from close range, with Yadhu Priya saving the shot but unable to keep it in her hands. The ball landed beautifully to D’Souza, who did not waste any time in grabbing her team’s second goal of the game.
With another brilliant counterattack, Sethu made it three in the 70th minute. Malavika P was the mastermind, sending a wonderfully timed pass into the path of Naorem Priyangka Devi, putting her one-on-one with the custodian. Moreover, Priyangka chipped it over the charging Priya to score her first goal of the season.
D’Souza added up her season total with another goal in the 85th minute. The Lords FA Kochi defenders mishandled a clearance around the halfway line, allowing D’Souza to come in free on goal with only the custodian in her way. The boy completed the task calmly, circling Priya and placing it into the net.
After Sunita Sarkar was fouled inside the area, Lords FA Kochi scored a penalty in injury time. Moreover, Kathleen Rodriguez made no mistake in ensuring Sethu did not earn a clean sheet.
Sumati Kumari of Sethu Madurai was named Player of the Match.
CRPF FC wins their debut game against Churchill Brothers FC
Central Reserve Police Force Football Club defeated Churchill Brothers FC Goa 2-1 at the Shahibaug Police Stadium in Group B action.
Binita Kerketta, captain of CRPF FC, scored from the penalty spot in the fourth minute of the game. The penalty was given when the Churchill Brothers defenders mishandled a corner clearance, resulting in a handball in the area.
Karen Estrocio equalised for Churchill Brothers FC Goa in the 52nd minute. A CRPF FC defender fired a routine ball high in the air and within her own box after failing to deal with it. Estrocio seized on the opportunity well, heading it past the custodian to equalise for the Goan outfit.
With the game going for a tie, it came down to a last-minute goal from CRPF FC defender Karam Tony Devi in the 89th minute from a corner. Moreover, Neha Mann of CRPF FC was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
Kickstart shock Star-studded Odisha Football Club
Karnataka’s Kickstart FC created one of the first surprises of the group round, defeating Odisha FC 2-0 in a Group B match at the Shahibaug Police Stadium. Kickstart earned three points by scoring once in either half.
Kioko Elizabeth Katungwa (36′) and Laishram Bibicha Devi (73′) scored for Langam Chaoba Debi’s wards to secure victory. Katungwa was voted the match’s MVP.
Eastern Sporting Union wins for the second time in a row
ESU defeated Celtic Queens FC 3-0 in Group B at the TransStadia. Eastern Sporting took a comfortable lead into the halftime break thanks to goals from Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi in the fourth minute and Salam Rinaroy Devi in the seventh. Lhingneilam Kipgen added a third goal in the 66th minute to secure Eastern Sporting Union’s second consecutive group league victory. Moreover, Yumnam Kamala Devi, a former India international, was named Player of the Match.
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