Sterling Sanju leads Alakhpura to 6-2 win over Aizawl FC

NEW DELHI: A sterling hattrick by Sanju led Alakhpura FC to trounce Aizawl FC 6-2 in the ongoing inaugural edition of the Indian Women’s League at the Ambedkar Stadium in the Capital today (January 31, 2017).
Sanju’s hattrick (16’, 46’, 64’) and strikes from Kavita Devi (21’) and Deepika (36’ and 85’) sank Aizawl FC’s ship with a glossy four-goal margin as the ‘Girls in White’ ran out eventual winners, whilst giving a statement of their attacking prowess – scoring three goals in the first half and three in the second. Aizawl FC gave the little competition to a dominant Alakhpura FC and the latter dictated proceedings for much of the match, giving the little time on the ball to the former.
The warning bells for Aizawl FC ran as early as the 7th minute when Sanju outran her marker and unleashed a shot which ruffled feathers of the side-netting. And Sanju was at it again in the 16th minute when she sidestepped her marking defender and this time, blasted the ball into the back of the net to give Alakhpura the lead.
Five minutes later Kavita Devi tapped home from handshaking distance to double Alakhpura’s lead as the scoreline read 2-0. It seemed like a begging of a rout as Alakhpura FC pressed towards the goal with every passing second, while Aizawl FC playing the oppressor launched counter attacks.
An eye candy of a goal for Alakhpura FC in the 30th minute gave an even further statement of their attacking instincts as Deepika made perfect contact with a cross and volleyed home to makes the scoreline read 3-0.
Although Aizawl FC pulled one goal back in the 36th minute through Lalbiak Diki, it had little effect on the overall complexion of the match as the half-time scoreline read 3-1.
Even in the second half, Alakhpura gave little to no time to Aizawl FC to make a mark and Sanju’s goal in the 46th minute quelled any hopes of a dramatic comeback as Alakhpura FC once again took an unassailable three-goal lead as the scoreline read 4-1.
Sterling Sanju completed her hat-trick in the 64th minute when she controlled a cross and unleashed a venomous half-volley, which ended in the bottom right corner to score Alakhpura’s fifth goal of the match.
Aizawl FC tried to reduce the margin but failed to contest against a superior Alakhpura defensive line, while their custodian made save sporadically to deny Alakhpura.
Deepika added more gloss to the scoreline in the 85th minute as she scored her second of the day, Aizawl FC pulled one goal back in the dying embers of the match. The full-time scoreline read 6-2 as Alakhpura FC registered a rather easy win.
AIFF eyes major policy shifts for Indian Football, announces coaching vacancy
In a significant Executive Committee meeting held on July 2, 2025, under the leadership of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the AIFF initiated discussions on several potentially transformative policy proposals. These…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
India Dominates Iraq with a resounding 5-0 win in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
India delivered a dominant performance, securing a commanding 5-0 win against Iraq in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Group B encounter. This impressive win marks India’s third consecutive triumph…
AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25: East Bengal FC drawn against clubs from Hong Kong, Cambodia
East Bengal FC were drawn alongside Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) in Group E of the AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage, following the draw…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…