New Delhi: Eastern Sporting Union (ESU) were crowned champions of the inaugural edition of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) here Tuesday after they blanked Rising Student Club 3-0 in the final here. Strikes from Kamala Devi (32nd, 66th) and Prameshwori Devi (57th) paved the way for a facily win for ESU.
In a game dominated for most periods by ESU footballers, the winners created many chances. Kamala could have put ESU ahead as early as the third minute, but shot wide. Then Bembem Devi and Prameshwori had shots on Rising Student goal, but both were saved by the custodian.
But then ESU took the lead when Kamala tapped home her 10th goal of the league from close after Bembem had burst through the opposition defence.
ESU continued to dominate the second session also and after Kashmina had missed a gilt-edged chance, they doubled their lead. Kashmina and Prameshwori played a one-two to break open the Rising defence and the latter scored from a narrow angle.
In the 66th minute ESU put the tie to bed as Kamala made a solo run down the middle showing the opposition of clean pair of hills. She then unleashed a powerful left-footer to close out the game.
It seemed that the entire team of Rising Student were affected by nerves in the final. Both Sasmita Malik and Pyari Xaxa looked out of sorts and that also contributed to the downfall of the team from Orissa.
PTI