Sethu FC delivered a determined performance to defeat Odisha FC 0-2 in the Indian Women’s League (IWL), climbing to second place with seven points from three games. Despite being reduced to 10 players early in the match, the attacking trio of Anju, Aminah, and Malavika dominated, while the defense, anchored by Nirmala and the outstanding Purnima, held firm under pressure. With this shocking home, Odisha FC has been pushed to fifth place in the table.
Sethu were the ones who approached the game on the front foot, with Babina testing Odisha’s goalkeeper in the third minute and Amina’s header from a corner narrowly missing the target moments later. Malavika, a constant threat from the right flank, created several chances, combining effectively with Anju and Aminah. Their attacks continued relentlessly at Odisha, who looked shell-shocked and were for large parts of the opening 15 minutes constrained in their half.
The match turned dramatic in the 22nd minute when Anu tried to head the ball to her own goal for safe confinement. However, the header lacked strength, and Jennifer, who was chasing the ball, had a clear one-on-one chance to score. Anu committed a professional foul to bring her down and the referee didn’t hesitate to give her the marching orders. Sethu FC adjusted swiftly, bringing on debutant Vinothini to bolster the defense at the cost of winger Amisha. Odisha immediately conjured up their first real opportunity, Maryam Ibrahim’s free-kick saved comfortably by Khambi Chanu. Six minutes later came the best chance of the half, when Yeboah was played through via a brilliant Grace Lalrampari through ball. The Ghanaian did brilliantly to open her body up and slide the ball towards the far corner, Chanu stranded. Nevertheless, the effort bounced off the post. Sethu hung on to take the game to halftime.
A breakthrough came in the 69th minute when Aminah orchestrated an attack from midfield. Malavika’s powerful shot was spilled by Odisha’s goalkeeper Shreya Hooda and Aminah reacted quickest to slot the loose ball into the net. Ten minutes later, Aminah doubled the lead from a through pass when Odisha FC players were busy appealing for offside. Aminah took 8 seconds to dribble the goalkeeper and score as no defender was closing down.
Purnima was exceptional in defense throughout the game, alongside Nirmala, ensuring Odisha struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Late substitutions saw Prameshwori and Priya help close out the game, securing a vital win for Sethu FC.
Head coach Shareef Khan praised the team: “To play over an hour with 10 players and come away with a win is a testament to our character. Aminah and Malavika were brilliant, while Purnima and Nirmala led a resolute defense. This result takes us to second place, and we’re determined to build on this momentum.”
With seven points from three games, Sethu FC moves into second place on the IWL table, setting the stage for an exciting campaign ahead. Four players of Sethu FC made their debut in IWL today: Vinothini, Priya Chettri, Kai Rumi, and Anu T Sabu.
