Kickstart go down to Eastern Sporting Union in their opening match

Kickstart Media 

Kickstart FC fell short at their opening match in the Indian Women’s league as they suffered a narrow defeat to Eastern Sporting Union on Thursday. A 27th-minute goal from Mandakini Devi was enough for the Ronibala Chanu-coached Eastern Sporting Union to overcome Kickstart FC.

Kickstart FC coming into the IWL campaign after a dominant performance in the Karnataka Women’s League fielded a strong XI captained by Indian international Dalima Chhibber. Meanwhile, Eastern Sporting Union from Manipur was captained by the vastly experienced Irom Prameshwwori Devi.

Eastern Sporting Union took the lead in the 27th minute through Mandakini Devi. Kickstart FC strived to clear the deficit all through the match, but the resolute defense of Eastern Sporting Union stayed its course and saw out the match.

Kickstart FC is placed in Group B of the IWL 2023, along with Celtic Queens FC, CRPF, Churchill Brothers, Eastern Sporting Union, Lords FA, Odisha FC, and Sethu FC.

Kickstart FC will take on Odisha FC in their next encounter on 30th April, 8 AM.

 

 

Manipur top Group VI, move to the final round of 27th Hero Women's Nartional

Favorites from Group VI and 21-time champion Manipur defeated hosts Karnataka 4-2 in the final game of the qualification round of the Hero 27th Senior National Women's Football Championship. With this win, Manipur advance to the final round of the competition, which will be most likely held in Punjab. Karnataka too qualify for the final round as one of the best second team. 

Manipur were quick to take the lead in the 5th minute of the game. Karnataka tried coming back here on. Their effort was quite evident, Kaviya’s long ranger left-footed shot, which was out of the Keepers reach earned Karnataka the equalizer. Hosts took the lead in the end of first half, when the Manipur keeper brough down a  Karnataka striker. Defender Aruna Bag made no mistake in placing the ball in the back of the net. 

Karnataka were leading 2-1 in lemon break. 

Manipur tracked back after changing ends with two back-to-back goals within a span of two minutes. Some tough defending kept away the Karnataka girls from scoring. Lynda Kom scored the fourth goal in 83' minute. 

Karnataka, Manipur remain unbeaten

KSFA Media 

Karnataka and Manipur recorded their third straight victories to assure themselves the top two slots in group VI and qualify for the knock-out phase of the 27th Senior national Women’s football championship at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Tuesday.

While Karnataka defeated Bihar 8-0 in an evening match, Manipur downed a fighting Assam 3-2 in the morning session. Both teams thus logged nine points from three games and face each other on April 6 to decide the group topper. The top two teams from each of the six groups move into the knock-out stage. 

Karnataka had to wait till the 27th minute for their first goal as Kavya Pakkirisamy headed in a cross from Aruna Bag. Three minutes later, Tara Anand’s flag-kick was headed in by Bihar defender Aaisa Khatoon while a minute before half time, Maitreyi hit home a shot which deflected to her after Kaviya’s effort was blocked. Aruna Bag (48th) made it w-0 at half time. 

After resumption, Karnataka continued to call the shots and scored almost at will.  Sonia Marak (49th and 64th), Kaviya Pakkirisamy (51st and 58th) added to the tally as Karnataka romped home easy winners.