Team Herald
RAIA: Goa put up a brave front as they held strong Odisha 1-1 in their final 27th National Women’s Football Championship which concluded at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday.
It was Goa’s top scorer Karen Estrocio who put Goa ahead in the 45th minute and it looked as if the hosts would be able to finish second in the 5-member group. However, a late equaliser in the 65th minute by Satyabati put paid to Goa’s hopes as she netted the equaliser.
Goa missed at least two sure chances, one being a sitter in the 12th minute by Karen.
Karen was adjudged player-of-the match.
Manager Cosme Oliveira pointed out that Goa played to a plan and that the goalkeeper had got injured. President Caitano Fernandes thanked the AIFF for allowing the GFA to be the hosts. He felt that Goa had played well and that Goa needs to put in a better performance in the future. “We have chances in the future,” he added.
With the draw, Goa collected seven points to finish third, behind toppers Himachal Pradesh who collected 10 points and were followed by Odisha with eight points, just one more than Goa, who had to be content with the third place.
Both, HP as well as Odisha maintained a clean record while Goa lost one match against the eventual toppers Himachal Pradesh 0-4.
Earlier, in the morning, Himachal Pradesh, coached by Vaman Rohidas Chari, ran riot hammering Andhra Pradesh 19-1. It was a brilliant double hat-trick by Anju, who netted in all seven goals (15th, 46th, 47th, 53rd, 62nd, 65th, 69th) and two splendid hat-tricks by Poonam (23rd, 28th, 41st, 43rd) and Manisha (18th, 37th, 64th) that put Himachal head and shoulders above their rivals. The other scorers were Naketa (56th, 83rd), Riya Sharma (9th, 60th), Nisha (13th).
Anju was declared the player-of-the match. With a total of 11 goals to her credit she became the top scorer in the championship.
GFA President Caitano Fernandes, senior vice-president Anthony Pango, and Jonathan De Souza and chairperson of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Women’s Committee Valanka Alemao gave the award to the HP coach Vaman Chari formerly of Dempo Academy.
Goa’s place for qualification will depend on the results of the other teams as four best second placed teams among the six groups will qualify for the next round.
For Andhra Pradesh, it was Kolluru Anuradha with the only goal for her team in the 24th minute.
