Rising Student Club will clash swords against Eastern Sporting Union in the final of the inaugural edition of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) at the Ambedkar Stadium in the Capital tomorrow (February 14, 2017) at 15.00 IST.

While Rising Student Club topped the group with 12 points and brushed aside FC Pune City 2-0 in the semi-finals, Eastern Sporting Union finished second with as many points as the table toppers but fell prey to inferior goal difference and romped FC Alakhpura 4-1 in their semi-final bout.

With both Teams possessing star-studded line-ups, with as many as 15 Indian National Team players on display, the Final of the Indian Women’s League promises to be an eye candy for the fans of Women’s Football in India.

Eastern Sporting Union will look to rely on the goal scoring from of Kamala Devi, who scored a hattrick in the semi-finals and is the leading high scorer of the Tournament, for firepower upfront, while the midfield duo of skipper Bembem Devi and Premi Devi will look to stem the forwards.

In Pyari Xaxa and Sasmita Malik, Rising Student Club possess players of quick pace who have caught the opposition defense offguard repeatedly in the League. Sasmita’s pinpoint crosses and play on the flanks can be deciding factor in the match, which Eastern Sporting will look to nullify.

Captain of Eastern Sporting Union spoke to www.the-aiff.com before the Final and said, “Rising Student Club are a Team which can hurt us at any moment. Their players are quick on the ball and our defence will have to be on its toes to deal attacks”

“Even their defence is quite strong with players like Ashalata (Devi) in the back. It will be a challenge for us but we believe that we can win the Final and lift the trophy”

“We will give it our all”, Bembem added.

Meanwhile Kamala Devi of ESU is hoping to add another feather to her cap. “Everybody dreams of scoring in a Final, that is what people remember and I would love to score a goal to lead our Team to win the match”, Kamala opined.

On the other hand, Rising Student Club are cautious of the threat that Eastern Sporting have in experienced players like Bembem Devi.

“We have played many times together for the National Team and therefore as a Team we have to be cautious of them (ESU), as we know what they (ESU) can do”, Sasmita Malik said.

“It will be a match which will largely be contested in the midfield. The Team which will take their chance infront of goal will win.”

“There is no room for complacency as goal scoring chances will be few”, Sasmita added.

One of the key members in defence of the Indian Team will square off against one of the key members in attack of the Indian Team when Ashalata Devi will come face to face against Kamala Devi.

“It will be an interesting clash. I know how Kamala (Devi) plays and how quick she is off the ball so that will indeed help me get the better of her by positioning myself better”, Ashalata stated.

“Nevertheless, it comes down to one moment of excellence for her (Kamala Devi) and that is where I have to be on the top of my game and stop her.”

“It will be fun”, Ashalata said.

(Report courtesy: AIFF Media)