IWL 2026-27: Aguadze finds both nets as Sethu FC begins with win against Kickstart FC

Juanita Aguadze found the net for both sides in Sethu FC’s win over Kickstart FC. | Photo Credit: IWL

Ghanaian forward Juanita Aguadze was the unlikely protagonist as Sethu FC, Madurai, began its Indian Women’s League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Kickstart FC, Bengaluru, at Kalyani Stadium on Saturday.

Aguadze scored twice for Sethu, including the winner from the penalty spot, but also put through one in her own net in a dramatic first-half action.

She opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a solo effort, giving Sethu an early advantage. However, the forward turned from scorer to unfortunate culprit when an attempted clearance off a Kickstart corner resulted in a misdirected header into her own goal in the 30th minute, making the scoreline even before the break.

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Sethu regained the lead midway in the second half when Malavika P. was brought down inside the Kickstart penalty area. Aguadze stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick to complete her brace and secure all three points.

The win also narrowed the historical gap between the rivals. In 11 IWL meetings, Kickstart has four wins, Sethu three, while three encounters have ended in draws.

The scores:

Sethu FC 2 (Juanita Aguadze 18, 67-pen) bt Kickstart FC 1 (Juanita Aguadze 30-og).