By 
East Bengal has written a new chapter in their footballing history, clinching their first-ever Indian Women’s League (IWL) title in spectacular fashion.
Spearheaded by Ugandan forward Resty Nanziri, the Moshal Girls secured the championship with a game to spare after a hard-fought 1-0 win over defending champions Odisha at Kalyani Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The high stakes clash lived up to expectations, with East Bengal starting on the front foot. Despite relentless first-half pressure and a flurry of chances, the breakthrough eluded them as Odisha’s goalkeeper stood strong between the posts.
The game’s defining moment came in the 67th minute when Soumya Guguloth capitalized on sustained pressure to score the match-winner. Her goal, followed by a jubilant ‘SUIII’ celebration inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, sealed the deal for East Bengal and sent their fans into raptures.
Odisha, desperate to salvage their campaign, pushed for an equalizer but were repeatedly denied, leaving them on the brink of relegation. They now need a miracle to avoid the drop, a must win in their final fixture, coupled with favorable results from other teams.
With 11 wins, one draw, and just a single defeat, a narrow 3-2 loss to Gokulam Kerala, East Bengal’s campaign has been nothing short of dominant. Gokulam Kerala, currently second on the table, now trail by eight points, rendering their final match irrelevant in the title race.
For Resty Nanziri, the triumph adds another feather to her cap. Following her title winning season with Kampala Queens in the 2022-23 FUFA Women Super League, the Crested Cranes striker has once again proven her mettle.
Her tally of six goals and five assists has been pivotal in East Bengal’s success, underscoring her influence as one of the league’s standout performers.
This historic win not only marks a monumental achievement for East Bengal but also solidifies Nanziri’s growing legacy in women’s football.
