MARGAO
After securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Tamil Nadu, Goa women are gearing up for a crucial match against Himachal Pradesh in the 8th Senior Women’s National Football Championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy. The match will take place at the TMK Arena Stadium, in Panniyankara, Kerala on Monday.
This encounter is critical for Goa, as a positive result will improve their chances of progressing to the final round, before their key clash against hosts Kerala. Currently, both Goa and Kerala are tied at the top with three points each from their opening-round wins. As of now, Goa holds the edge due to their recent win against last season's semi-finalists Tamil Nadu. Kerala, who thrashed Himachal 5-0 in their first game, take on Tamil Nadu in the day's other match.
Goa head coach Remy Colaco emphasised the importance of consistency for his team’s success. "This is another important match for us, and we’re treating it like a final," said Colaco, a former midfielder with Salgaocar. He urged his players to replicate the intensity they displayed in the first half against Tamil Nadu.
Colaco noted the team's progress, stating, "In our opening game, we performed well in both halves, and we played brilliantly in the first half of our last match. Our target now is to maintain that performance for the full 90 minutes."
The coach anticipates a challenging match against Himachal Pradesh, who are desperate for a win after suffering the heavy defeat to Kerala. "I expect tomorrow to be difficult because Himachal Pradesh will go all out to secure a win," he added.
Colaco confirmed that Goa will adopt a 4-3-3 formation to enhance their attacking potential. "With three points already in the bag, it all depends on us. Our main objective is to qualify for the next round," he concluded.
As the match approaches, Goa women are aware of the stakes, and fans can expect an exciting showdown on the pitch.
