Gokulam Kerala FC 1 (Asem Roja Devi 52’)
defeated
Kickstart FC 0

AIFF Media Team

KOLKATA: Gokulam Kerala FC claimed their first win of Indian Women’s League 2025-26 with a gritty 1-0 victory against Kickstart FC at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

A second-half strike from Asem Roja Devi (52’) proved decisive in a contest that demanded patience, discipline and resilience from the Malabarians.

The result lifted Gokulam Kerala to five points from four matches, following a campaign that had previously yielded two draws and a defeat. For Kickstart, this result marked a fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them still searching for their first point of the season.

Both sides approached the match with urgency, eager to break their respective runs and assert control early. Gokulam Kerala showed greater attacking intent from the outset and fashioned the first clear opening. Cidália Daniel Cuta received the ball just outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful right-footed drive, but Kickstart goalkeeper Lingthoingambi Devi Maibam reacted smartly to make a fine diving save.

Kickstart attempted to respond with sporadic forays forward, yet their attacking moves lacked conviction and were comfortably dealt with by Gokulam goalkeeper Shreya Hooda, who remained largely untroubled between the posts.

As the half wore on, Gokulam Kerala continued to probe, moving the ball with purpose and pressing high up the pitch.

They came agonisingly close to taking the lead just before the interval. From a well-worked corner routine, Roja Devi laid the ball off for Baby Lalchhandami, whose fierce right-footed strike cannoned off the upright, denying Gokulam a deserved breakthrough as the teams went into the break goalless.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 52nd minute. Another corner caused chaos inside the Kickstart penalty area, with an initial header cleared off the goal line. The ball fell kindly to Roja Devi, who reacted quickest and drove a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner to give Gokulam Kerala the lead.

The goal settled Gokulam’s nerves and allowed them to dictate the tempo thereafter. They tightened up defensively, controlled possession, and looked dangerous on the counter. Despite creating opportunities to extend their advantage, a lack of clinical finishing kept the margin slender.

Kickstart pushed forward in search of an equaliser but found little joy against Gokulam’s well-organised and disciplined backline, which stood firm until the final whistle.