Kickstart FC secured an exciting 2-0 win in their second group stage match of the Indian Women's League (IWL) against a formidable Odisha FC team. In the 36th minute, Kenyan forward Kioko Elizabeth scored the opening goal, followed by a 73rd-minute strike from Laisharam Bibicha Devi, helping Kickstart FC overcome Odisha FC.
Before the game, Kickstart FC coach Langam Chaoba Devi emphasized the need for an aggressive approach in the first 15 minutes, stating, "If we can close them by pressing high, we can scare their defense and put pressure on them." The coach also made two changes to the team that played the last match against Eastern Sporting Union, with Banti Sharma replacing Shubangi Singh and Kaviya Pakkirisamy coming in for Devneta Roy.
True to the coach's words, Kickstart FC went all out against the strong opposition of Odisha FC. The team consistently harried and unsettled the star-studded Odisha FC right from the start, leading to Kioko Elizabeth's opening goal in the 36th minute after guiding a nicely weighted cross from the left flank.
After the restart, Kickstart FC maintained the same level of intensity, creating numerous opportunities but had to wait until the 73rd minute to double their lead. Substitute Soniya Marak delivered a perfect cross from the flanks for Bibicha Devi to guide it to the goal through a precision header.
Indian International Dalima Chhibber led the Kickstart FC team to dominate the proceedings throughout the match, preventing Odisha FC from settling down and controlling the lion’s share of possession. The efforts of Nepali international Saru Limbu and Indian U-17 team captain Astam Oraon in the midfield contributed significantly to the team's first win in the group stages of the ongoing Indian Women's League.
Kioko Elizabeth of Kickstart FC was named the Hero of the match. Kickstart FC's next encounter will be against Churchill Brothers on May 3 at 4:30 PM.
Kickstart FC Media Release