The 2024-25 Indian Women’s League (IWL) is set to begin on January 10th with a thrilling opening match between defending champions Odisha FC and East Bengal. Eight teams, including two newly promoted sides, will compete for the title in the six-month long tournament.
Odisha FC, riding high on a seven-game unbeaten streak against East Bengal FC, will look to continue their dominance when they face off against the struggling Red & Gold Brigade in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. East Bengal, meanwhile, desperately seeks to find their footing in the campaign after facing six consecutive defeats. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams strive for crucial points in the early stages of the season.
Odisha FC Women, representing India in the AFC Women’s Champions League, are set to face a formidable challenge in their group stage opener against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies. Despite the tough opponent, the team is confident after recent victories and eager to learn and grow from the experience.
Punjab FC secured their second straight victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, defeating Odisha FC 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Nihal Sudeesh’s 27th-minute strike and a late goal by Leon Augustine secured the win for the home side, while Hugo Boumous’s late goal proved insufficient for Odisha FC.
Odisha FC secured their spot in the group stage of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Etihad Club. Jennifer Kankam Yeboah scored a brace, leading Odisha to victory despite a tense second half that saw both teams reduced to 10 players.
NorthEast United FC secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Odisha FC in their final Group E match of the Durand Cup, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. Jithin M.S scored a brace, while Guillermo Fernandez and Thoi Singh added goals, along with an own goal by Odisha FC’s Tankadhar Bag. Paogoumang Singson scored the lone goal for Odisha FC.
Bengaluru FC secured its second consecutive win in the Durand Cup, defeating Inter Kashi FC 3-0. Edgar Mendez opened the scoring with a penalty, Alberto Noguera added a second goal, and Sunil Chhetri finished the scoring with a header. Meanwhile, Odisha FC cruised to a 5-0 victory over BSF FT. Hyderabad FC withdrew from the tournament due to unforeseen circumstances, with Rangdajied United FC taking their place.
Lallianzuala Chhangte and Indumathi Kathiresan were crowned the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) male and female Players of the Year, respectively. Chhangte, a Mumbai City FC winger, extended his contract with the club until 2026/27. Indumathi, a midfielder for Odisha FC and the national team, received recognition for her contributions to both. David Lahlansanga, Khalid Jamil, and Shukla Dutta also received awards for their achievements in Indian football.
Odisha FC, the 2023-24 Indian Women’s League champions, has been drawn in Group B of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25 preliminary stage, alongside Etihad Club (Jordan) and Lion City Sailors FC (Singapore). The team will compete in Jordan, aiming to top the group and qualify for the group stage where they will be placed in Group C.
Odisha FC has secured the services of their head coach, Sergio Lobera, for another two years, extending his contract until 2026. This comes after a successful season for the club, including a fourth-place finish in the Indian Super League and a South Zone victory in the AFC Cup.
