Credit: Sethu FC Media Team
Sethu FC, Tamil Nadu’s representative in IWL, marked a historic moment by playing their first-ever Indian Women’s League (IWL) match in Tamil Nadu, and they couldn’t have asked for a better start. Playing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, Sethu FC defeated newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC 1-0, kicking off their 2024-25 IWL campaign in style.
Sreebhumi, even though playing their first-ever season in the top division, had managed to build a formidable squad for the season. In this match, Sreebhumi FC fielded their experienced Indian campaigners: Aditi Chauhan and Bala Devi, in their lineup. They also had Queenable Akousa Amankrah, the Ghanian, in their defense. Sethu FC their foreigners Amina Nababi and Moussa Zouwairatou in their starting XI.
The match began with both teams showing intent to take control. The first half ended goalless, with both sides creating chances but failing to capitalize.
The breakthrough came in the 60th minute when Ugandan midfielder Aminah Nababi delivered a spectacular right-footed half-volley from the edge of the box. The shot sailed into the far corner, leaving Sribhumi goalkeeper Monalisha Devi with no chance and giving Sethu FC a crucial lead.
Sribhumi pushed for an equalizer, with Anita Kumari’s curling 25-yard effort in the 81st minute posing the biggest threat. However, Sethu goalkeeper Sarangthem Khambi Chanu pulled off a brilliant save to deny the visitors and secure all three points for her team.
Head coach Shareef Khan praised the team’s performance, saying, “We had a great start, and like I have mentioned before, young players can make a change. We are happy to get the three points.”
Player Anju Chanu added, “We are very happy to get the support from Tamil Nadu. It was a great game today, and we’re delighted with the win.”
After the match, Sribhumi head coach Sujata Kar reflected on her team’s performance, acknowledging the advantage of playing at home for Sethu FC.
“The home team definitely has an advantage; this is our first IWL game away,” said Kar. “We have to look forward. We have identified our mistakes, and in the next game, we will try to change it.”
After playing out of Goa last season, Sethu FC’s return to their home state of Tamil Nadu was a significant moment for the team. Backed by enthusiastic local support, they have started their campaign on a positive note, showing promise for the season ahead.
