IWL 2023: Gokulam Kerala FC take on Kickstart in final today

AHMEDABAD: Defending champion Gokulam Kerala FC, who are seeking their third consecutive title, take on first-timer Kickstart FC in what is expected to be a gripping finale of this season’s Indian Womens Football League (IWL) 2023 at the TransStadia here on Sunday.

While Gokulam’s reaching the final was on expected lines as they have topped the standings while Kickstart’s progress was unexpected as they caused an upset by beating former champions Sethu FC in the semifinals.

The 2022-23 IWL, the sixth edition of the tournament, started last month with 16 teams, the highest number in the league’s history, and now only two remain after 62 rigorous matches.

The two sides are heading into the final on the back of jubilant semifinal wins on Friday. While Kickstart surpassed a strong Sethu challenge 2-0, Gokulam Kerala came from a goal down to register a thumping 5-1 win over Eastern Sporting Union.

Expressing his thoughts ahead of Sunday’s key encounter, Gokulam head coach Anthony Andrews said they were expecting a tough fight in the final.

“I anticipate a tough challenge from Kickstart in the final. They have shown their strength by defeating former champions Sethu in the semifinal, which indicates that they are in good momentum. We expect a competitive match. We need to be prepared for their attacking ability and defensive solidity to ensure we can overcome their challenge,” he said on Saturday. Kickstart were placed third in the Hero IWL last season, and ahead of this campaign, head coach Langam Chaoba Devi had affirmed that her side will not just aim for another podium finish, but the top prize. (IANS)

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