In a final-matchday conclusion to the IWL on March 24, Odisha FC secured a resounding 6-0 triumph over Kickstart FC at their home in the Kalinga Stadium to clinch the title emphatically. The match showcased Odisha’s dominance and attacking prowess as they dismantled their opponents with a commanding display.
This remarkable victory not only sealed the league title for Odisha FC but also marked the end of Gokulam FC’s reign as defending champions, who had long been regarded as the leading force in Indian women’s football. Odisha FC’s stellar performance in the final match not only affirmed their status as the new champions but also signaled a significant shift in the landscape of Indian women’s football, highlighting the emergence of another formidable contender.
Odisha FC and their astounding performance in the IWL 2023-24
In just 20 months since its formation, Odisha has transformed a dream into reality, defying all odds to emerge as champions of the Indian Women’s League for the 2023-24 season. Established in 2022 with a clear vision and determination to fill its trophy cabinet, the club’s journey to the top is truly one to take note of.
From the outset, The Kalinga Warriors set their sights on the IWL title, recognizing that hard work and resilience would be key to achieving their ambitions. Despite being one of the newer entrants in the Indian women’s football circuit, they refused to be daunted by the stature of their competitors, or the fact that they came so close to upending Gokulam Kerala last year.
Their triumph in the 2023-24 season is a testament to the good things happening in the background at Odisha FC. With an impressive tally of 31 points from 12 matches, they secured the top spot in the league standings, edging past Gokulam by a margin of two points.
A defining aspect of Odisha FC Women’s success has been their remarkable consistency both in attack and defense throughout the season. With a total of 31 goals scored and a mere four conceded in 12 matches, they have demonstrated a balanced and disciplined approach to the game. Their ability to find the back of the net with ease while maintaining a solid defensive line speaks volumes about their tactical acumen and teamwork.
Moreover, Odisha FC Women’s triumph in the IWL holds immense significance beyond just domestic success. By clinching the title, they have earned the prestigious opportunity to represent India at the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League, thereby showcasing their talent on the continental stage and elevating the profile of Indian women’s football on the international platform.
The Title Race: How It Went in the IWL
The fight for the IWL title started as an intense battle of skill and determination among seven strong teams on the football field but gradually waned down to a few teams fighting for the top spot. Each match brought its surprises, ramping up the excitement and keeping fans thoroughly engaged throughout.
At the forefront of the title race stands Odisha FC, who demonstrated their prowess throughout the league and won it finally by two points. Their consistent performances, characterized by clinical finishing and solid defensive displays, have propelled them to their maiden IWL title, instilling confidence and belief within the squad as they now prepare for the Asian stage.
Close on their heels was Gokulam Kerala FC, the reigning champions who refused to relinquish their hold on the title without a fight. With a wealth of experience and talent at their disposal, Gokulam remained a formidable force in the league, relentlessly pursuing Odisha FC in a bid to reclaim their status as undisputed leaders of Indian women’s football. However, they fell short by just two points at the end.
Throughout the title race, teams like Kickstart FC, Sethu FC, and Hops FC emerged as dark horses, displaying their determination to upset the established order. They continuously challenged the frontrunners in each match, keeping the competition fiercely contested and the outcome uncertain until Gokulam and Odisha took control.
Struggles at the Bottom: Disappointing Performances of Teams
As the IWL season unfolded, some teams found themselves grappling with disappointing performances, particularly East Bengal FC and Sports Odisha. Throughout the season, Sports Odisha failed to clinch a single victory. Newcomers East Bengal secured one win and one draw but suffered 10 losses. Both teams conceded 31 goals each, with Sports Odisha managing to score only three goals in return.
East Bengal FC, a storied club with a rich footballing history, has encountered difficulties in translating their legacy into success on the field. Despite possessing talent and potential, they have failed to string together consistent performances, resulting in a lackluster campaign marked by missed opportunities and frustrating setbacks.
Similarly, Sports Odisha has faced an uphill battle throughout the season, languishing at the bottom of the league standings. Despite their determination and resilience, they have been unable to notch up crucial victories, finding themselves on the wrong end of results more often than not.
Both teams’ struggles at the bottom of the table underscore the challenges of competing in a well-contested league like what the 2023/24 IWL was, where every match demanded top performance. Despite their disappointing showings, both East Bengal FC and Sports Odisha remain determined to bounce back stronger next season.
Key Performers from IWL 2023-24
In the IWL 2023/24 season, several players have emerged as key performers, showcasing their talent and contributing significantly to their respective teams’ success. Among them, Fazila Ikwaput from Gokulam Kerala FC stands out as one of the standout players of the tournament. With 13 goals to her name, Ikwaput has been instrumental in Gokulam Kerala FC’s attacking prowess, demonstrating exceptional skill and clinical finishing in front of goal.
Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar of Kickstart FC Karnataka has also made a significant impact, tallying 8 goals and 3 assists. Her versatility and ability to create scoring opportunities have been crucial for Kickstart FC, driving their offensive play and keeping them in contention for a top spot in the league standings till the later stages of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Pyari Xaxa has been a key figure for Odisha FC, notching up 8 goals and 4 assists. Her dynamic presence on the field and attacking prowess have played a pivotal role in Odisha FC’s impressive campaign this season, as they ultimately won the league title. Another standout performer for Odisha FC was Win Theingi Tun, who has contributed 7 goals to her team’s cause. Her clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net have been crucial in Odisha FC’s quest for glory in the IWL.
Fredrica Torkudzor of HOPS Football Club has also been among the top performers, scoring 7 goals in the tournament. Her goal-scoring prowess and determination have been vital for HOPS FC, as they finished fifth in the league. Overall, these players have been instrumental in shaping the narrative of the IWL season, showcasing their talent, determination, and skill on the field, and leaving an indelible mark on the 2023/24 edition of the tournament with their stellar performances.
The Indian Women’s League stands as a testament to the growing prominence and potential of women’s football in India. With its adoption of the home-and-away format, the league witnessed much more competition in the matches. As the league continues to evolve and garner attention, it serves as a platform for nurturing talent, fostering growth, and inspiring the next generation of female footballers in India. The IWL not only reflects the present state of women’s football but also symbolizes its promising future, filled with opportunities for players, coaches, and fans alike.
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