AIFF Media Team

BHUBANESHWAR: Former Hero Indian Women’s League (HIWL) champions Sethu FC ran riot against debutants Mata Rukmani FC with a 6-1 victory in their season opener.

The Madurai based side started well as they found the back of the net twice in the first seven minutes of the game itself. Elizabeth Katunga opened the scoring, followed by Indian international Anju Tamang who doubled the lead.

Within the first quarter of the game, the former champions made their intent very clear. They continued to dominate across the field as they increased the lead in the 15th minute with a goal from Mariyammal, finishing off a move initiated by Anju.

Sethu’s domination was too tough to handle for the rivals, and as they struggled to control the momentum.

The 4th and the 5th goals came in the 22nd and the 24th minutes respectively with Sanju and Lalrampari finding the back of the net.

Changing over, it was quite a task for Rukmani to overturn as they were 0-5 down. The debutants, however, introduced some fresh pairs of legs but it didn’t change the script much.

After the hour mark, Sethu continued to press and create havoc with their players entering the rival box almost at will. That led to their 6th goal – Renu poking it in from close range in the 70th.

Rukmani managed to pull a consolation goal in the 79th minute with Reet Kashyap rushing in behind the Sethu defence to put it in.