The winning Goa girls team.
MARGAO
Goa emerged champions of Tier 2 Junior National Football Championship for Girls following a 1-0 win over Andhra Pradesh at Royal FC Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday. The team will now play in Tier 1 next season.
Pearl Fernandes scored the only goal of the game for Goa. Pearl scored 12 goals overall throughout the campaign.
Under the guidance of coach Jonathan Faleiro, the Goa team exhibited exceptional performance throughout. Ria Rajesh, Geuel D’Souza, and their teammates demonstrated remarkable synergy on the field.
In the group stage, Goa outclassed Karnataka 4-0 and then went on to defeat Ladakh convincingly with a scoreline of 5-0, securing their spot at the top of the group. Later, Goa defeated Assam 3-0 despite playing with a player (Prissy Pereira) sent off.
"On behalf of the Goa Football Association, I extend my warmest congratulations to each and every member of the team for their outstanding achievement in clinching the championship title at the Junior National Football Championship for Girls. Your remarkable 1-0 victory over Andhra Pradesh in the final showcased your exceptional talent, determination, and teamwork," stated GFA president Dr Caitano Fernandes.
"Pearl Fernandes, your goal-scoring prowess has been truly inspiring, and your contribution throughout the campaign, scoring 12 goals in five games, reflects your dedication and skill on the field. Under the guidance of Coach Jonathan Faleiro, your team's synergy and performance have been nothing short of exceptional," he added.
"I would also like to acknowledge the crucial roles played by the coaching staff, team manager Leincy Peixoto, assistant coach Jeromina Colaco, and physiotherapist Judrica Dias. Your guidance and support have been invaluable in shaping these young talents into champions," stated Dr Caitano.
"I have no doubt that with your skill and determination, you will continue to achieve greater heights and bring more glory to Goan football," he concluded.
Goa team: Ria Rajesh, Geuel D’Souza, Zuriel Tavares, Shaundelle Gomes, Amelie Nazareth, Prissy Pereira, Fatima Braganza, Gretchen Vaz, Riya Patre, Pearl Fernandes, Amanda Dias, Anushka Dharwadkar, Shahin Alatgiri, Mokshada Bhaidkar, Melriya Fernandes, Alana Pereira, Siddhi Sawant, Keya Borwankar, Phushpanjali Huddar, Hayley D’Souza, Jolin Fernandes, Jyoti Prajapati; Team Manager: Leincy Peixoto; Head coach: Jonathan Faleiro; Assistant Coach: Jeromina Colaco; Physiotherapist: Judrica Dias.
