Bangladesh’s Sabina Khatun shone brightly on her Hero Indian Women’s League debut as Sethu Football Club blanked Gokulam Kerala FC 2-0 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong Thursday.
Goals from Sabina in the 17th minute and Manisha in the 86th clinched victory for Sethu. Sethu now have three points from two matches after losing their opening game against Kryphsa 5-0 while Gokulam are yet to open their account. Gokulam also lost their opening match, 2-0 against Rising Student Club.The opening few minutes saw Gokulam gain the upper hand. Fazila saw her shot blocked while Manpreet saw her effort go straight to Sowmiya. Fazila found Subitha in the clear, who, unfortunately was unable to control the ball.
Then, in the 17th minute Sethu scored almost against the run of play. Sabina made her way down the left flank and smashed home the opener. Fazila and Sanathopki then combined well but were unable to get through.Sabina almost doubled the lead in the 37th minute but her shot was blocked by Rumpa. The last attempt of the half again went to Sethu but Rumpa was on hand to make the save.
The second half too began in the same manner as the first as Fazila forced a save off Sowmiya in the 48th minute. The momentum shifted dramatically soon after as Sethu drove forward.Indumathi and Sabina along with Manisha troubled the Gokulam backline continuously. They had a chance to double their lead in the 72nd minute but Manisha bundled her shot.
The goal did arrive in the 86th minute when Manisha latched onto Sabina’s ball and drove it home.
Sethu will now take on Rising Club Monday while Gokulam face Indira Gandhi Academy SE in their next game.RESULTSethu 2 (Sabina 17, Manisha 86) 0 Kerala
Thursday, June 04, 2026
