East Bengal FC Women edge past Gokulam Kerala FC (w) 2-1 in Indian Women's League thriller

East Bengal FC Women secured a vital 2-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC Women in a pulsating Indian Women's League encounter at the East Bengal Ground on Sunday night. The result marked a significant step forward for the home side as they continue their quest for a top-four finish, while the visitors were left to rue defensive lapses that proved costly in a match of high intensity and quality.

The match started at a ferocious pace, with both sides committing players forward. East Bengal drew first blood in the 14th minute when a well-worked set-piece saw their centre-back rise highest to power a header into the bottom corner. Gokulam Kerala responded positively, equalizing just before the half-hour mark with a clinical finish from their star striker after a defensive mix-up.

The second half was a cagey affair until East Bengal regained the lead in the 63rd minute. A sweeping counter-attack caught the Gokulam defense flat-footed, and the home side's winger slotted home coolly from a tight angle. Gokulam pushed hard for an equalizer, dominating possession in the final 20 minutes, but East Bengal's backline held firm, backed by a vocal home crowd.

Key moments defined the contest:

• 14' – East Bengal take the lead through a powerful set-piece header
• 27' – Gokulam Kerala equalize with a clinical finish from inside the box
• 63' – East Bengal restore their advantage with a lightning counter-attack

The win lifts East Bengal FC Women into a promising position in the Indian Women's League standings, while Gokulam Kerala FC (w) will need to regroup quickly to keep their own title ambitions alive. The competitive nature of the league was once again on display in this entertaining 2-1 contest.