Crested Cranes vice-captain, Fazila Ikwaput, continued her phenomenal form in the Indian Women’s League (IWL), scoring the decisive goal as Gokulam Kerala FC edged Sethu FC 1-0 at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Monday.
Ikwaput’s 14th-minute strike, her 20th of the season, proved enough to hand the Malabarians three crucial points as they continue to chase league leaders East Bengal FC.
Gokulam Kerala now sits second in the standings with 26 points from 11 matches, four behind East Bengal with just three rounds remaining in the title race.
From the opening whistle, Gokulam Kerala pressed aggressively, unsettling Sethu FC’s rhythm. Their persistence paid off early when Ikwaput capitalized on a defensive lapse, coolly slotting home what turned out to be the match-winner.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Gokulam struggled to extend their lead, with Ikwaput and R Darshinidevi missing key opportunities.
Sethu FC, fresh off a win over defending champions Odisha, fought back in the second half. Amnah Nababi and Malavika P pushed for an equalizer, but Gokulam’s defense, led by a composed backline and goalkeeper Payal Basude, stood firm to secure the clean sheet.
