Sethu FC 3 (Amnah Nababi 7’, 13’, Moussa Zouwairatou 41’)
beat
Odisha FC 1 (S Lynda Kom 90+6’)
AIFF Media Team
CHENNAI: Amnah Nababi stole the show with a brilliant first-half brace as Sethu FC outclassed Odisha FC 3–1 in a one-sided 2024–25 Indian Women’s League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The hosts led 3-0 at half-time.
Nababi (7’, 13’) scored two early goals for Sethu, while Moussa Zouwairatou (41’) added the third. Lynda Kom Serto reduced the margin for Odisha FC in stoppage time.
This result ended Sethu’s four-match losing streak and helped them climb to the third spot in the standings. They now have 13 points from 10 matches with 4 wins, one draw, and five losses. While they are mathematically out of the title race — with East Bengal already on 27 points from their 10 matches — Thursday’s commanding performance was a much-needed morale boost.
Odisha FC, meanwhile, continued their downward slide. This was their fourth consecutive defeat, and the result dropped them to sixth place with 11 points from 10 matches. Despite a better second-half showing, they were thoroughly outplayed in the opening 45 minutes.
Sethu FC took control from the opening whistle, dominating possession, displaying better organisation, and constantly testing the Odisha backline. They looked hungrier, sharper, and far more cohesive in attack. Their intent paid off early, thanks in part to some poor defending by Odisha.
The breakthrough came in the seventh minute. Moussa Zouwairatou unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box which Odisha goalkeeper Anshika could only parry. Nababi reacted quickly and tapped in the rebound to open the scoring.
Just four minutes later, Nababi struck again. This time, it was individual brilliance — the midfielder twisted and turned, created space with clever footwork, and fired a precise right-footer past the diving Anshika to make it 2–0. The goal also helped Nababi become the third-highest scorer in the league with six goals.
Sethu weren’t done yet. In the 41st minute, a cross floated into the Odisha box causing further chaos. The defenders failed to clear it properly and Zouwairatou, lurking in the right spot, pounced to slam home the third, capping off a dominant half for the home side.
After the break, Odisha FC regrouped. Their midfielders and forwards — Lynda Kom, Kiran Pisda, and Pyari Xaxa — began to link up better, using short, quick passes to breach the Sethu FC lines. However, the Sethu defence held firm, and goalkeeper Gyurme Dolmo Tamang, later replaced by Sarangthem Khambi Chanu, made a few crucial saves to deny any real comeback.Odisha finally managed to get on the scoresheet in stoppage time, and it came through the boot of Lynda Kom. From 21 yards out and a tight angle, she curled in a stunning shot that gave the Sethu substitute goalkeeper no chance. It was a moment of individual brilliance from Lynda Kom who scored her sixth goal of the tournament. For Odisha FC, however, it came too late.
