KOLHAPUR/PANJIM: The Goa girls got off to a flying start in the All India Football Federation Hero Junior Girls National Football Championship as they trounced Tripura 3-1 in their inaugural match at Kolhapur, on Saturday.
Karen Estrocio scored a splendid hat-trick for the winning side.
“The girls had a beautiful game and they played together as a team. Karen was outstanding on the field and she scored a brilliant hat-trick. I am positive and optimistic about our next game on Monday,” said Goa coach Carol Fernandes as Goa play Manipur on April 22.
Goa started the match on attacking note and pressed their opponents in their own half.
Goa’s Fleni and Sujata controlled the midfield and the first goal came when Fleni played a pass to Karen, and the latter guided the ball into the net, 1-0.
Tripura couldn’t match Goa’s game plan as Goa used flanks as well as raided them from the open play. Goa were awarded a penalty when Karen was brought down in the box by the rival keeper and the lass herself stepped over and coolly converted the penalty kick to score her second of the day. Goa led 2-0 at the breather.
Changing over, Goa almost scored their third wen Fleni tried her luck from distant but her shot hit the cross bar and went out of play.
Meanwhile Karen completed her hat-trick when she guided home a Sujata cross from the left flank.
