Nita Football Academy continued their impressive run in the Indian Women’s League 2025-26, defeating Kickstart FC 5-0 at the National Centre of Excellence on Saturday.
Match Highlights
Pyari Xaxa (2’, 31’, 76’) scored her second hat-trick in as many matches, helping her side take control of the game in the first half. Nita FA’s Togolese forward Amiratou N’Djambara (38’) and India U20 international Neha (64’) also found the net.
Nita FA currently tops the league standings with seven points from three matches, marking their second victory by a five-goal margin. They previously won 6-1 against Sesa FA. In contrast, Kickstart remains without a point in their three matches and is now in the relegation zone.
Early Domination
The Cuttack side has shown a knack for scoring early, with Neha producing a perfect cross from the left that Pyari tapped in just as the clock struck two minutes. The 19-year-old was a constant threat down the left wing during the opening exchanges.
Kickstart began to find some rhythm after a shaky start, with Kiran Pisda playing a pivotal role in midfield. Nita FA goalkeeper Adrija Sarkhel made a crucial diving save to keep out a long-range shot from Kiran in the 12th minute. Kiran attempted another long-range effort shortly after, but Adrija managed to tip it around the post.
Strategic Changes
Nita FA head coach Paromita Sit recognized her team was losing grip on the match and made an early substitution, bringing in Jasoda Munda for Poonam. This tactic paid off quickly, as Neha delivered another cross in the 31st minute, allowing Pyari to volley in her second goal.
With two goals already to her name, Pyari turned provider as Ghanaian midfielder Matilda Kwao advanced upfield to set her up, leading to Amiratou netting the third goal.
Second Half Action
Kickstart came into the second half with more determination, but Nita FA’s defense held firm. Their best opportunity arose in the 49th minute when substitute Olivia Chanu’s cross was brought down by Kiran for Lhingneilam Kipgen, but Adrija was once again equal to the task.
Neha eventually got on the scoresheet when Matilda played her through on the left. Neha burst into the box and smashed it into the bottom corner.
Pyari completed her second hat-trick of the season in the 78th minute, dashing any hopes of a Kickstart comeback. Bhumika Devi set Amiratou free on the right with a deft touch, allowing her to chip the ball to Pyari at the far post for the finish.