Kickstart FC achieved only their second victory of the Indian Women’s League 2025-26, defeating Sesa Football Academy 3-1 at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata on Friday. Nigerian forward Emem Peace Essien (2′, 61′, 90+3′) scored a hat-trick, securing the win for Kickstart, while Sesa FA captain Aniela Barretto (17′) netted one.
Match Overview
Despite both teams being in the relegation zone, Kickstart is just a point behind Gokulam Kerala in sixth position and has a solid chance to avoid relegation in Phase 2 of the competition. In contrast, Sesa is still searching for their first top-flight victory, having collected only one point from their seven matches.
First Half Action
Kickstart took early control when Ranjana Chanu’s cross from the left was mishandled by Sesa goalkeeper Beatrice Nketia. Emem reacted quickly and scored into an empty net in the second minute.
Though the team from Karnataka dominated possession, Sesa fought back. Against the run of play, Jeewanti broke free on the right, delivering a cross that was converted by Aniela.
Kickstart continued to seek the goal that would tilt the match in their favor, but clear opportunities were limited. In the 36th minute, Ranjana tested Beatrice with a powerful long-range shot, which the Ghanaian keeper managed to deflect.
Second Half Highlights
Kickstart’s dominance persisted into the second half, and they finally regained the lead just after the hour mark. A cross from Ranjana found Emem at the edge of the box, and she expertly controlled the ball before shooting on the turn for a 2-1 lead.
In the 72nd minute, Kickstart’s Rafiat Aweda surged down the right, sending a low cross aimed at substitute Olivia Chanu, who struck the upright with her glancing effort.
Sesa had limited opportunities, mainly producing long-range shots. In the 84th minute, substitute Sarjida Khatun almost surprised Kickstart goalkeeper Haripriya Deka when she cut in from the right and shot. Haripriya, however, managed to palm it away and gathered the ball.
Final Moments
Emem sealed the victory in injury time, when Bibicha Devi made a run down the right and found Babysana Devi with a low cross. Although Babysana’s shot was initially saved, the rebound fell to Emem, who slotted it home.