IWL: East Bengal, Mumbai Knights, HOPS earn historic first victories

3 CLUBS EARNED their first ever wins in the Indian Women's League today, all by a narrow 1-0 margin.

HOPS FC, Mumbai Knights and East Bengal - who had all lost their opening matches in IWL 2023 - reversed their fortunes in the Group A fixtures today.

Mumbai Knights FC defeated bottom-placed Mata Rukmani FC after a tight game, with the only goal of the match being an early own goal from Mata Rukmani player Namita Belsariya.

HOPS FC also hopped onto the winning wagon today with Renu Rani delivering their game-clinching goal around the 63rd minute.

East Bengal, who had a rough start to their first ever IWL with a big-margin loss to defending champs Gokulam Kerala FC, delivered a much more composed performance as they took on Kahaani FC. Ratna Halder scored for them around the 80th minute.

With their wins, both HOPS FC and Mumbai Knights broke into the top four in the group while East Bengal are following close behind in 5th place, only trailing by goal difference.

All three clubs will be back in action on the 2nd of May, which is the third matchday for Group A.

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