In a display of sheer firepower, East Bengal FC dismantled Shreebhumi FC 3-1 in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2025-26 on Monday evening at Kolkata’s East Bengal Ground. Fazila Ikwaput’s hat-trick was the defining moment, cementing the champions’ position at the summit with 21 points from seven games.
The Ugandan sensation’s three goals took her IWL tally to 54, eclipsing Ngangom Bala Devi and positioning her as the league’s second-highest scorer ever. Shreebhumi managed a lone reply from Rimpah Halder, but it couldn’t derail East Bengal’s momentum.
East Bengal asserted control early. An initial Ikwaput goal was disallowed for offside, but her threat loomed large. In the 37th minute, a defensive lapse by Toijam Thoibisana Chanu gifted Ikwaput a golden opportunity. The forward danced past Monalisha and coolly finished, sending the ‘Torchbearers’ into rapture.
The second half exploded into life within 60 seconds. At the 46th minute, Ikwaput’s surging run ended with a pinpoint strike into the keeper’s bottom-right corner. East Bengal then turned the screw, forcing Shreebhumi into desperate defense. A near-miss from Dangmei Grace in the 58th minute highlighted Shreebhumi’s struggles, as her shot sailed over after Abena Anoma’s poor clearance.
Ikwaput completed her treble in the 60th minute, spinning away from markers to wrong-foot Monalisha and score. Shreebhumi responded late, with Nemairakpam Arena Devi setting up Rimpah Halder for a smart finish past Panthoi in the 80th minute—the second goal conceded by East Bengal this season against them. Ikwaput came close to a poker but was denied by a brilliant save.
East Bengal’s cohesive play and Ikwaput’s brilliance shone through. This win not only boosts morale but reinforces their championship pedigree. Shreebhumi must regroup, while East Bengal eyes further glory in the IWL.
