Gokulam Kerala eyes a third successive title while debutants Kickstart FC want to create their own fairytale in a dream final of the 2023 IWL season.
Match Details
Date: Sunday, 21 May 2023
Time: 18:30 (IST)
Venue: Transstadia
IWL Final Preview
Very few could have predicted Kickstart FC to make it to the final let alone making it out of the group stages in their debut IWL campaign but they have defied all odds reaching at this stage of the competition. Finishing second in a group containing heavyweights Sethu Madurai, Eastern Sporting Union and ISL franchise Odisha FC, overcoming Hops FC and Sethu again in the semifinals was the stuff of dreams that came true. The side from Karnataka were clear underdogs in the semifinals facing the former winners. Once again, they managed to change the picture with Kioko Elizabeth slotting in the opener and Sara Limbu unleashed a screamer in the first half for the eventual victory. Sethu had their chances with Apurna Narzary, Kajol D'Souza and Priyangka Devi missing big opportunities although credit went to Kickstart to retain their solidity that allowed only three goals throughout the season. Captained by national team defender Dalima Chhibber, who is a title winner with the opposition in the final, the side from Karnataka now wants to script more fairytale by winning the title. However, preventing Gokulam Kerala to defend their league title for the third straight season is a tall task.
The Malabarians had to produce another comeback in the knockouts of the competition, this time in the semifinals after Yumnam Kamala Devi put Eastern Sporting Union ahead lobbing Beatrice off her line. Indumathi equalised from the spot soon after and Gokulam did not look back. Sabitra Bhandari rounded Panthoi to give her side the lead before assisting substitute Vivian Adjei to make it 3-1. The Nepal International also put in a delightful cross for Indumathi to complete her brace and scored her 28th of the season in just nine games to round the 5-1 victory. The manner of the win help them restore their usual self after Odisha FC pushed them all the way to the penalties playing out a 1-1 draw and only Beatrice's heroics in the shootout took them through. In such a flamboyant form, Gokulam feels it is just a formality their name is etched on the trophy again. That said, Kickstart cannot be underestimated for their impressive defense which prevented a side like Sethu who scored eight in the last eight stages. Anthony Andrew's also played a 0-0 draw against Misaka United in the group stages as the only side they failed to score so anything is possible.
Players to watch out for
Kickstart FC -
Kioko Elizabeth
The go-to scorer for Kickstart, Kioko Elizabeth capitalized on a through ball and a defensive lapse from Sethu to poke it past the keeper for a crucial opener in the semifinals. The Kenyan also scored the winning header in stoppage time against Hops to take her team through. Her threat on the counter and tendency of scoring in crucial moments of the game is what Kickstart will rely upon to do the possible damage to Gokulam.
Sara Limbu
The Nepalese also got on the scoresheet alongside Kioko with a long-range piledriver but she did more than just that throughout the campaign. Limbu's presence in the middle of the park gives Kickstart control with her battle for every duel and joining in attack makes her a cut above the rest. She will be desperate to have a big impact in the final.
Gokulam Kerala -
Sabitra Bhandari
Whether you are an opposition or a fan or a passionate watcher of the sport, Sabitra Bhandari is a player you need to watch out for simply because of her outrageous scoring numbers. The 25-year-old's 28 goals tally is hard to match like her speed, tenacity and of course the finishing. Very few have prevented the wrath of her shooting boots and Kickstart had to come out with ideas to keep her out.
Indumathi Kathiresan
While Sabitra focused on scoring for the side, Indumathi did the creating business for Gokulam. Influencing the game and coming up with goals as well, becoming the third most top scorer in the league. Indumathi received the Player of the Match in the semifinals for an outstanding display and something she wants to repeat in the final.
