Karishma hat-trick helps Kickstart to floor East Bengal in IWL

Playing their first home game of Indian Women’s League (IWL) this season, Kickstart FC girls rolled past East Bengal 3-1 played at Bangalore Football Stadium today evening. With two back-to-back 3-goal win, Kickstart tops the IWL points table. 

It was the talented Karishma Shirvolkar again who drew the first blood in the dying moments of first-half regulation time from a misunderstanding from East Bengal defence. 

After changing ends, Kickstart ensured their cushion goal again from Karishma. She then completed her hat-trick in the 90th minute after East Bengal scored a consolation goal via Sulanjana Raul. 

Kickstart play their next game against Sports Odisha on Thursday, December 21, which also happens to be a home game.

Kickstart beat HOPS, secure semi final spot in IWL

Kickstart FC Media 

Kickstart FC advanced to the semi-final stage of the Indian Women's League by defeating HOPS FC, Delhi with a score of 2-1 in the quarter-final match held in Ahmedabad. The opening goal was scored by Kaviya Pakkirisamy for Kickstart, but HOPS FC managed to equalize in the second half. However, substitute Kioko Elizabeth scored the winning goal in injury time, securing Kickstart FC's place in the semi-final.

Before the match, Coach Langam Chaoba Devi made one change to the line-up that won against CRPF FC in the last league stage match. Kaviya replaced Susmita Lepcha in the starting eleven.

In the first half, Kickstart FC dominated the game, keeping most of the action in HOPS FC's half. There was an early goal scare in the Kickstart FC penalty box due to a mix-up, but it was eventually cleared by the goalkeeper Maibam Linthoingambi Devi. After that, Kickstart FC put immense pressure on HOPS FC to find the opener. In the 17th minute, Sonia Mark delivered a good cross after some excellent work on the flanks. The HOPS FC goalkeeper parried it away, but it fell to Kaviya, who took a shot that deflected off the woodwork and found the back of the net. Despite taking the lead, Kickstart FC continued their pursuit of a second goal, but HOPS FC's defense held strong against all threats. In the 43rd minute, Kaviya's cross from the right flank hit the woodwork and fell to Sonia Marak, who set up Astam with a nice pass. However, Astam's shot missed the target. The first half ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of Kickstart FC, with six minutes of injury time added.

The second half started with HOPS FC intensifying their efforts to find the equalizer, putting immense pressure on Kickstart FC's defense. In the 62nd minute, they succeeded in scoring the equalizing goal through Renu Rani. Following HOPS FC's goal, Kickstart made substitutions, bringing in Babita Devi for Sonia Marak, Kioko Elizabeth for Renuka, and Susmita Lepcha for Kaviya. In the 85th minute, Saru Limbu, who had been in outstanding form during the league stages, sent a precise through ball to Bibicha Devi, who passed it on to Kioko Elizabeth. Unfortunately, her attempt was cleared off the goal line by the HOPS FC defense, averting the danger. However, in the 90+1' minute, Banti Sharma's high ball into the HOPS FC penalty box was headed in by Kioko Elizabeth, extending Kickstart FC's lead to 2-1. After taking the injury-time lead, Kickstart FC controlled the game and tried to increase their advantage, but HOPS FC's defense managed to hold on, and the final whistle blew with a score of 2-1 in favor of Kickstart FC.

In the semi-final, Kickstart FC will face the winners of the match between Sethu, Madurai, and East Bengal FC.

Captain Dalima Chhiber of Kickstart FC was awarded the Hero of the Match title for her outstanding performance.

 

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.

 

 

Gokulam Kerala FC face stern test against Kickstart

 AIFF Media 

It’s time for a cracker of a clash between Kickstart FC and Gokulam Kerala FC in the Hero Indian Women’s League 2022. The two in-form sides face each other at the Capital Ground in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Ahead of the game, Kickstart FC Head Coach Amrutha spoke about her side’s preparations and the approach they will take. “Next match is against Gokulam kerala FC, the defending champions who are an experienced side,” she began.

“We need to focus more for better results. We also need these three points to continue our winning momentum. Accordingly, we are ready to perform against them,” she added, before confirming that she has a fully fit squad at her disposal.

Gokulam Kerala are on a seven-match winning streak and will be going up in a tough challenge against Kickstart. Head Coach Anthony Andrews passed his remarks on the opposition and how his side has prepared for the game. “Kickstart has a good team with experienced players. They have quality in the attacking unit with pace and creativity. We have to be focused throughout the 90 minutes and pick our chances early.”

“Our approach and intent will be to progress from our last game and minimize our mistakes and make better decisions in the final third,” he added in the end.

The match will be streamed live on Indian Football YouTube Channel at 3:30 PM (IST).

Kickstart earns dominating win against Hans Women FC

AIFF Media

Kickstart maintained their winning run after beating Hans Women FC 0-4 tonight in the Hero Indian Women's League at the Kalinga Stadium. Hans suffered another loss as they are yet to find winning ways in the competition this season.

Kickstart made a quick start to the game as they bagged the lead as soon as the 7th minute in the game when Roja got herself one on one with the Hans custodian and did no mistake to slot it home.

Thereafter the Karnataka-based side took the momentum of the game but failed to increase their lead as they were unable to capitalize on the chances created. 

Before the lemon break, Kickstart got their best chance to double the lead when they were awarded a spot-kick but the former failed to turn into fruit. 

After the breather Kickstart seemed to be with a better composure as they doubled the lead within the 48th minute. Babysana struck a screamer from yards away to make it 0-2 for her side.

Just at the edge of the hour mark Kiranbala Chanu made it 0-3 for Kickstart as she rightly utilized a howler from Hans custodian Tanvi Mavani. Minutes after the lead increased to 0-4 as substitute Lawmching found the net from distance in the 60th minute.

The high press from Kickstart rattled the porous Hans defense forcing too many mistakes inside the box. Hans made a change in their custodian side and this turned out to be a saviour for the losing side as they refrained from conceding more.

After this loss, Hans continues to remain at the bottom of the points table as Kickstart maintains the third spot with 6 wins in 7 games.

Prameshwori score in Kickstart's win against SSB

 AIFF Media 

Kickstart created wave after wave of attacks but were yet to break the deadlock till the half an hour mark. The SSB side showed a great defensive character doing well to keep their opponents at bay.

Finally, in the 34th minute, Kickstart broke the deadlock. Babysana Devi sent in a cross that was equally contested by both Prameshwori and SSB goalkeeper Manju. While both slid in towards the ball, Prameshowri managed to get to it a fraction of a second earlier and slipped it under the SSB keeper, to put her side in the lead.

After the breather, Sandhya Kashyap came up with some good chances for SSB but failed to find the net.

The side from West Bengal looked determined and mounted a number of attacks in the second half, in their search for an equaliser. However, some brilliant goalkeeping from Linthoingambi Devi, and some last ditch tackles from Hero of the Match Sweety Devi kept SSB out.

After this second consecutive loss, SSB remain 6th on the Hero IWL table, whereas Kickstart maintain their position on third with 15 points from 6 matches.

Kickstart FC face SSB this evening, look to maintain winning momentum

AIFF Media  

Kickstart FC will look to maintain their winning momentum when they face SSB on Friday, May 6, 2022, at the Kalinga Stadium in the Hero Indian Women’s League.

Ahead of the clash, Kickstart head coach Amrutha Aravind sounded pumped as she said, “It is a vital match for us, and we have to continue our rhythm of winning.”

The gaffer has high regards for her opponents. She said, “SSB is one of the best women's teams in India, and they are a very good and balanced side. So, we have to put some extra effort to win against them.”

Amrutha believes her side is yet to improve, “We were lacking in some areas in our last match, especially when it came to finishing, we were not at the level where we want to be. We are focusing much more on that in the preparatory sessions.”

“I am fully confident in the qualities of my team and my girls will be doing better in the next match,” she added.

SSB suffered a narrow loss in their last match against Arrows and gaffer Juliet Miranda is determined to bounce back. She said, “Our next opponents are very tough, as they have all good experienced players. Will try to give them a good fight and come out with a positive mind-set.”

Juliet opined, “The last game's result was unacceptable for us. We have to improve a lot as a team. Especially we have to refrain from making silly errors.” SSB will face Kickstart FC on Friday May 6, 2022 at the Kalinga Stadium at 19:30pm (IST). The match will be telecast live on Eurosport and streamed on the Indian Football YouTube channel.

Kickstart back to winning ways against Odisha Police

AIFF Media 

Kickstart FC picked up a convincing 2-0 win over Odisha Police in the Hero Indian Women’s League 2022 on Monday, May 2,2022 at the 7th Battalion Stadium.

The Karnataka based club were on the front foot right from the beginning. They came twice close to scoring but Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi and Thingbaijam Babysana Devi could not capitalize on the opportunities.

In the 29th minute, Asem Roja Devi found a breakthrough and pulled the trigger from close range. However, the referee blew her whistle for offside and the scoreline remained unchanged. 

Before the half-time whistle, Roja Devi, Babysana Devi and Lochana Munda all came close to scoring, but missed their target by a whisker. Following the restart, Kickstart finally took the lead via Irom Prameshwori Devi in the 54th minute. The forward drove a shot from close range and found the back of the net to make it 1-0.

In quick fire succession, substitute Yangoijam Kiranbala Chanu made it 2-0 for Kickstart FC. The forward low shot from inside the box could not be saved by Odisha Police goalkeeper Rajeswari Das. At the hour mark, however, Das went on to make a wonderful save off Yumlembam Pakpi Devi’s close range shot.

Odisha Police could not come back with any goals before full time and the game ended 2-0 in Kickstart’s favour.

 

Kickstart FC take on Odisha Police today

AIFF Media 

The Karnataka side Kickstart FC is all set to take on Odisha Police tomorrow (May 02, 2022) in the Hero Indian Women’s League at the 7th Battalion Stadium. Both the teams will eye full points as they come from the loss in their last matches.

Kickstart head coach Amrutha said, “Odisha Police also have a better side with experienced players and an experienced coach. So we have to give our 100% and we have prepared to do the same.”

The Kickstart gaffer is satisfied with the team’s campaign as she said, “Yes, our team has performed well and we had a little mistake while defending in the last matçh. Now we are working on that and ready to solve that area also.”

Odisha Police head coach Shradhanjali Samantaray urges her team to come up with a winning mentality while facing Kickstart FC. She said, “We will be playing against Kickstart which is one of the balanced team and we have to keep the possession and keep the winning mentality.”

Odisha will go all out to snatch full points as their gaffer echoed, “The approach will be to get full points from the game.”

Quizzed about her team’s campaign so far in the HIWL coach Samantaray seemed quite unsatisfied. She said, “No, we are not happy with our performance and lots of injuries have affected the team. Injury is the biggest concern in our team.”

Kickstart lose to Sethu FC in IWL

AIFF Media 

Sethu FC collected crucial three points against Kickstart FC in their Hero Indian Women’s League 2021-22 clash at the Capital Ground in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, April 28. 

Kioko Elizabeth Katungwa opened the scoring for the Madurai-based side early in the 6th minute. The Kenyan controlled a deflected cross perfectly inside the box and fired in an unstoppable volley from close range to make it 1-0.

Elizabeth went on to double the lead for Sethu FC just before half-time. The forward converted from the left side of the post after Grace Lalrampari Hauhnar provided her with a perfect assist. 

Moments later, Kickstart pulled one back through Kshetrimayum Margaret Devi. The skipper applied some beautiful technique and struck the ball with her first touch from distance. The Sethu goalkeeper could not judge the awkward lift of the ball and it eventually landed into the back of the net.

Kickstart maintained majority of the ball possession throughout the game, but could not avert Sethu’s relentless waves of attack. The scoreline remained 2-1 until full time in Sethu FC’s favour as the side grabbed their fourth consecutive win of the Hero IWL season.

 

Kickstart, Sethu aim to maintain unbeaten record

AIFF Media  

Sethu FC and Kickstart FC head into a mouthwatering clash in the Hero Indian Women’s League 2022 on Thursday, April 28 with both sides yet to taste defeat in three games so far and will be looking forward to maintaining the record.

Sethu Head Coach Crispin Chettri was confident, yet wary of the threat posed by their counterparts from Karnataka. He said, “It is one of the more important matches for us. They are a good side. We have to do better in decision making and convert our chances and be organised at the back.”

“We are happy with how we have started the Hero IWL campaign, and want to keep the momentum going forward,” he added.

On the other hand, Kickstart are also in decent form and have won each of their first three Hero IWL 2021-22 games. Speaking about the game against Sethu FC, Head Coach Amrutha Aravind stated, “We are playing against Sethu FC’s experienced team, who have won the league. We have to give our 100 percent and we have prepared well to do the same. I am fully confident in the abilities of my team.”

She went on to add, “The last match has boosted the morale of the team. We would like to keep up the momentum and stay on top with a win.”

The match will be played at the Capital Ground in Bhubaneswar and will be telecast live on Eurosport and streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel at 3.30 PM (IST).

Kickstart maintains winning streak after thumping win over Sirvodem

AIFF Media 

Kickstart maintain their winning streak as they hand Sirvodem a second consecutive defeat after a dominant 7-0 win in the Hero Indian Women’s League at the Capital Ground on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. 

The Karnataka-based side made a quick and dominating start as they scored as many as three goals within the first quarter of the game. Winger Kaviya opened the scoring on the 6th minute, followed by an own goal from Sirvodem defender Sharda a couple of minutes later. Kaviya once again bagged a goal contribution as her inch-perfect cross on the 12th minute was finely tapped in by Kiranbala. 

Kaviya ran riots along the right-wing forcing the Sirvodem defence to stumble with the latter’s goalkeeper Afsan Ashiq fumbling frequently. The goal shower continued with forward Roja Devi perfectly utilising the Sirvodem custodian’s howler to increase the lead to 4-0 within the 17th minute.  

Kickstart kept a large proportion of the possession all through the game with their continued domination, rattling the Goan side. Babysana pulled the strings from the midfield as the Karnataka-based side orchestrated waves of attacks, one of which led Prameshwori Irom to score the fifth goal on the 25th minute.

Minutes before the halftime break, Indian international Roja Devi earned a brace for herself as she found the back of the net, making it a six-goal lead for Kickstart FC, going into the breather.

Changing over, Sirvodem came out with a lot more intent and held their shape for large parts of the game. They kept their opponents at bay, preventing Kickstart from scoring more until substitute Lawmching found the net with less than 10 minutes of regulation time left on the clock.

With this win, Kickstart climb to second on the Hero IWL table with six points from two matches, and a goal difference of nine.

Kickstart take on debutant PIFA Sports FC in Hero IWL tomorrow

AIFF Media 

Seasoned contestants Kickstart FC will face off Maharashtra-based side PIFA Sports FC tomorrow, April 15, 2022, who will mark their debut in the fifth edition of the Hero Indian Women’s League (HIWL). 

The Kickstart gaffer Amrutha Aravind Valliyath sounded quite calm and confident ahead of their first game of the season.

Aravind clearly voiced their wish to fight for the championship, “Preparations are almost done for this year's title. We have a balanced side, and we will do our best for this year's championship”.

When asked about their game plan against PIFA the head coach said, “We are looking for an attacking style of play and we want a positive result”. 

The Karnataka league champions eyes to “take each game as a challenge” and work as “one team one dream". 

The game will kick off at 3:30 pm (IST) at the Capital Stadium, Odisha and the match will be live streamed on the Indian Football YouTube page. 

 

Indian Womens League to kick-off on April 15 in Bhubaneswar

The Hero Indian Women’s League is all set for a return in the 2021-22 season, as it will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from April 15 onwards.

This season’s Hero IWL will feature 12 teams that will fight it out for the top prize in Indian Women’s Football, and will fight it out in a league format from April 15 to May 26, with the champions of the tournament getting the chance to play in the next edition of the AFC Women’s Club Championship. The matches will be played at the Kalinga Stadium, the Seventh Battalion Ground and the Capital Ground.

Defending Champions Gokulam Kerala FC, who also join the league as the champions of Kerala, will also be joined by the champion teams from 10 other states – Odisha Police (Odisha), Hans Women FC (Delhi), Kickstart FC Karnataka (Karnataka), Gokulam Kerala FC (Kerala), Sethu Madurai (Tamil Nadu), PIFA Sports Colaba FC (Maharashtra), Mata Rukmani FC (Chhattisgarh), Sirvodem Sports Club (Goa), Indian Arrows (AIFF’s Developmental Team), SSB Women FC (West Bengal), Sports Odisha (Odisha), and one club from the Hero IWL Qualifiers.

The qualifiers of the Hero IWL will take place in New Delhi from April 1 to 5, where four clubs – Guwahati City FC, Golazo FC, ARA FC, and YWC will fight it out at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi, in a round robin format with the top team proceeding to the tournament proper.

“It’s great that we are being able to have the Hero IWL once again, and that too in Odisha, a state that has so closely been linked with Indian football over the past,” said AIFF Leagues and Development CEO Mr Sunando Dhar. “We will have the Hero IWL in a league format this time, which will allow the clubs to play more number of matches, and the champions teams from all the states will be fighting it out for the top prize.”

“We will also have the qualifiers for the Hero IWL in New Delhi, and that will further help the other teams from other states get the opportunity to participate in the league as well,” he further stated. “We wish the all the clubs the very best in their endeavours.”

The Hero IWL proper will also be played in a round robin format, with every team playing each other once. The team that finishes their respective 11 matches with the highest number of points will be declared the winners of the Hero IWL 2021-22 season.

Two city-based referees qualify for National level

In a record of sorts, for the first time two women referees from the state have qualified as national referee.

Harsha Saini and Pooja have successfully cleared the written examination for category two upgradation held in Gwalior on January 11, 2022 according to an AIFF letter. Among men, Thobias Mervin and Bhagavat Sunder passed as Referee and Abhilash M Suresh qualified as Assistant Referee.

Harsha Saini and Pooja started their refereeing career in 2017. They cleared Project Future India course for referees in 2019 and attended Women's MA course for referees in 2020 and 2021. 

Both officiated in the Indian Women's League Qualifiers, I-League matches within state, Women's Super Division, A Division, Men's A, B, and C Division matches, and KSFA Youth League.

 

Sabitra Bhandari double inspires Gokulam Kerala to Hero IWL final

AIFF Media 

Gokulam Kerala FC reached the Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) final with a stunning 3-0 win in the second semi-final, dethroning defending champions Sethu FC at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Monday (February 10, 2020). 

Manisha Kalyan broke the deadlock with a brilliant free-kick before Sabitra Bhandari added the second a minute before half-time. The Nepal international rubberstamped Gokulam’s place in the final by adding a third goal late in the second half.  

Gokulam Kerala are now set to play their maiden IWL final, where they will be taking on Manipur’s KRYPHSA FC. 

The Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) final between KRYPHSA FC (Manipur) and Gokulam Kerala (Kerala) will take place on Friday (14 February, 2020) at the Bangalore Football Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 PM IST.

Ratanbala brace helps KRYPHSA reach Hero IWL final

AIFF Media

Manipur-based Kangchup Road Young Physical and Sports Association (KRYPHSA) FC reached their maiden Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) final after a 3-1 win over Mumbai’s Kenkre FC in the first semi-final at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Monday (February 10, 2020). 

Ratanbala Devi scored a brace to fire KRYPHSA into a 2-0 lead before Jyoti pulled one back in stunning fashion for Kenkre. Roja Devi added Kryphsa’s third in the second half, which served as an insurance goal to see them through. 

Ratanbala Devi was adjudged to be the Hero of the Match for her match-winning brace.

Kenkre enter Hero IWL semifinal with win over BUFC, Sandhiya's four-goal haul takes Sethu too to semis

AIFF Media

Kenkre FC booked their place in the semi-finals of the 4th Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) after registering a 2-1 win over local outfit BUFC in their final Group B fixture at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Thursday (February 06, 2020).

Kenkre’s Asha Kumari opened the scoring before Techi Akung doubled their advantage. Amulya Kamal pulled one back for Bangalore, but that served as nothing more than a consolation. 

Earlier today, defending champions Sethu FC too confirmed their place in the semifinals in style after registering a dominant 6-0 victory over Baroda Football Academy.

Sethu’s Sandhiya had a clinical afternoon in front of goal, bagging four, with Amsavalli and Karthika adding the remaining two.

Kickstart cruise to four-goal win over BBK DAV, KRYPHSA edge past Kolhapur to maintain perfect record

AIFF Media

KRYPHSA FC, having already qualified for the Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) semi-finals, maintained their winning run and wrapped up a perfect record in Group A by seeing off FC Kolhapur City by a goal to nil (1-0) at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Wednesday. 

Ratanbala Devi scored what turned out to be the winner in the 19th minute.

Earlier today, Kickstart FC registered a solid 4-0 victory over BBK DAV in their last Hero Indian 
Women’s League (IWL) Group A fixture as both teams close out their campaign.

The match was thoroughly dominated by the Karnataka side, with the result never looking in doubt. Mamta’s free-kick from about 30 yards rattled the crossbar, much to BBK’s momentary relief.
The writing had been on the wall for a while and the deadlock was broken in the 40th minute by Mona, who finish to a speculative cross caught Radhika Khodre in goal off-guard as it gently rolled past her.

Just a minute later, another cross paid dividend and it was Kavya P. this time with a clinical header to double the advantage going into the break.

Kickstart earned a penalty in the 57th minute for a handball and despite Renu’s conversion from 12 yards, the goal was ruled out for an infringement by a flurry of Kickstart shirts.

She got her goal, however, in the 83rd minute with a fine solo effort, going past three BBK DAV defenders all by herself before slotting it to the keeper’s right.

Kavya P added her second to make it 4-0 in the 90th minute and finished off the game in style.

Kolhapur defeat Baroda to register first win, Kenkre ride on Soumya's brace to overcome Sreebhumi

AIFF Media 

FC Kolhapur City registered their first Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) victory of the season after overcoming Baroda Football Academy by a 2-0 score line at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Monday (February 3, 2020).

Lhingneilam Kipgen opened Kolhapur’s account on the 24th minute before Subhadra Sahu put them in cruise control on the 70th-minute mark. 

Kenkre FC moved a step closer towards rubberstamping their place in the semi-finals by registering a 3-1 victory over Bengal’s Sreebhumi FC.

Skipper Soumya Guguloth scored a brace before Aarti pulled one back for Sreebhumi to make it anyone’s game. Asha Kumari added a third early in the second half for Kenkre and allowed them to sail on the two-goal cushion towards three points.