Shillong, Oct 29: Jakrem Sports Club completed their Group C campaign in the Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL-2) 2026–27 with a perfect record, defeating Mumbai Knights FC 3-0 at the SSA Stadium, Polo, Shillong, on Thursday to secure their place in the Final Round.
The Meghalaya side finished top of Group C with nine points from three matches, having won all their fixtures in their debut campaign. Bahunlang Synrem opened the scoring in the 40th minute before second-half strikes from substitute Iaphisha Marbaniang (60′) and Marbarin Nongrum (67′) sealed the victory.
Mumbai Knights had an early opportunity in the 10th minute when a clearance from Jakrem goalkeeper Banrisha Wahlang fell to Geetika Negi, but the midfielder failed to capitalise. Two minutes later, Radhika Rohit Vyas found captain Mahi Virdi with a perfect long pass that pierced the home side’s defence, only for Jakrem defender Darishisha Kharlyngdoh to intervene and clear the danger.
Jakrem gradually grew into the contest. Bahunlang Synrem combined with Marbarin Nongrum in the 15th minute, but the latter’s effort went wide. Rimika Khongkai then tested Mumbai goalkeeper Anitha S with a long-range attempt in the 24th minute.
Jakrem came close to breaking the deadlock three minutes later. Marbarin delivered an excellent cross that found Judith Kharmuti, whose effort struck the crossbar before being gathered by Anitha.
The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Marbarin’s corner travelled across the penalty area. Anitha got a touch but failed to hold the ball, allowing Bahunlang to head home her second goal of the campaign and give Jakrem a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Jakrem introduced Iaphisha Marbaniang and Baiahunshihsa Lyngdoh Nongbri at the break, replacing Naphishisha Kharkongor and Judith Kharmuti. The changes injected fresh energy into the attack, with the substitutes helping Jakrem threaten on the counter.
The second goal came in the 60th minute following a long-range free-kick from Darishisha. Anitha managed to get a hand to the effort but could not hold the ball, and Iaphisha reacted quickest to score with her first touch, registering her maiden goal in the competition.
Jakrem extended their advantage seven minutes later through Marbarin. Another long-range free-kick from Darishisha caused problems in the Mumbai penalty area. Iaphisha attempted to connect with the delivery, but the ball fell to Marbarin, who finished from close range to make it 3-0.
Marbarin’s contribution at both ends of the scoring sequence, including the corner that led to Jakrem’s opener, earned her the Player of the Match award.
Mumbai Knights continued to search for a goal, with substitute Cathrine Thanga attempting an effort in the 71st minute, but her shot went wide. Jakrem maintained their advantage until the final whistle to complete a convincing victory.
The result confirmed Jakrem’s perfect Group C record, with three wins, eight goals scored and three conceded. The club also maintained its run of individual honours, with Jakrem players winning the Player of the Match award in all three group fixtures. Makrisha Songthiang received the award against AIFF TDS Academy and Kemp FC, while Marbarin claimed it against Mumbai Knights.
The 2026–27 IWL-2 season features 16 teams divided into four groups. The four group winners and the two best second-placed teams across the groups will advance to the six-team Final Round, which will be played in a single-leg round-robin format. The dates and venue are yet to be announced.
Having completed their debut group-stage campaign without dropping a point, Jakrem will now turn their attention to the Final Round as they seek to continue their impressive run on the national stage.
