MARGAO
Goa crashed to a 0-2 loss to hosts Kerala in their final group game on Wednesday to be eliminated from the 8th Senior Women’s National Football Championship for the Rajamata Jijabai Trophy.
With two wins and one loss, Goa finished tied on six points with Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, former champions Tamil Nadu -- who beat Himachal Pradesh 1-0 in their final match -- qualified for the main rounds from Group A based on the head-to-head between the three teams.
The match at TMK Arena, Panniyaankara began with a tense first half, ending in a goalless draw. Goa's striker Pearl Fernandes nearly gave her team the lead, but her shot went over the crossbar. Kerala's Manasa created a chance but was denied by Goa’s goalkeeper, Ria.
After halftime, Kerala dominated play, launching a series of attacks led by Manasa and Aleena Tony, who caused chaos in the Goa defence. In the 53rd minute, Megha T set up Manasa to score from the edge of the six-yard box, giving Kerala the lead.
Goa's situation worsened in the 67th minute when Alisha Tavares received a red card. Stunned by Kerala’s goal and the one-player disadvantage, Goa attempted to regroup, but Aniela Baretto’s shot also went over the bar, disappointing the Goa bench. Kerala sealed the match in injury time, with Aleena Tony heading in a corner kick after a defensive lapse by Goa.
In the other match, Tamil Nadu sealed their qualification thanks to a goal from midfielder and captain Kaviya Pakkirisamy in the 29th minute. Himachal finished bottom with three losses.
Goa's assistant coach Melvita Mascarenhas expressed frustration over the officiating during the match. While refraining from direct criticism of the referee, she emphasised that the decisions were evident to all observers and asserted that her team deserved a better outcome based on their performance.
