Sethu FC and Nita FA played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in their Indian Women’s League (IWL) encounter. A first-half brace from Sethu’s Malavika P seemed to have put the hosts in the driver’s seat, but Nita FA showcased remarkable resilience, with Gifty Acheampong and Jabamani Tudu finding the net to secure a point from the clutches of the defeat.
Sethu FC, coached by Shareef Khan, began the game with an attacking intent and nearly opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Malavika’s header from an Anju cross rattled the post. However, the striker didn’t have to wait long to make her mark. In the 12th minute, she rose above the Nita FA defenders to head home a perfectly placed corner, giving Sethu the lead.
Malavika, who previously also played under Shareef at Kerala Blasters, spectacularly doubled the advantage four minutes later. Picking up the ball outside the box, she unleashed a stunning long-range strike that left Nita FA goalkeeper Susmita Parida rooted to the spot. At 2-0, Sethu FC seemed to have full control of the match.
Nita FA, however, refused to back down. They clawed their way back into the contest in the 27th minute when a precise cross from Jabamani Tudu found Gifty Acheampong unmarked inside the box. With Sethu goalkeeper Sarangthem Khambi Chanu caught off position, Gifty’s header halved the deficit and reignited Nita FA’s hopes.
The second half saw Nita FA come out with renewed energy, pressing high and testing Sethu’s defense. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Tudu, who had been a constant threat, capitalized on a defensive mix-up. Rising above the Sethu defenders, she met Yumnam Kamala Devi’s corner with a powerful header to level the score at 2-2.
Both teams had chances to grab a winner. Sethu’s Kamala Devi struck the post with a long-range effort in the 64th minute, while Nita FA came agonizingly close in the 73rd minute when a misplaced clearance left the goal open, only for the attempt to miss narrowly. Khambi Chanu also produced a crucial save in the 69th minute to keep the scores tied.
The match ended on a sour note for Sethu FC as defender K Ngopawdi was sent off in injury time after receiving her second yellow card for a late challenge. Despite being reduced to 10 players, Sethu managed to hold on and secure a point.
Post-Match Reactions
Sethu FC head coach Shareef Khan acknowledged the team’s defensive lapses but remained optimistic: “We need to address certain areas, but I’m confident our players will adapt and improve. Playing possession-based football is a challenge, but it’s part of our growth.”
Malavika, who starred with her brace, said: “I’m happy to contribute, but we should have maintained our momentum in the second half.”
Nita FA head coach Paromita Sit lauded her team’s resilience: “We exploited Sethu’s high defensive line and stayed in the fight. I’m proud of the team’s comeback.”
The result leaves both teams unbeaten after two matches, with Nita FA sitting third and Sethu FC fourth in the league standings. As the IWL progresses, both sides will look to build on their performances in what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
