MARGAO
Himachal Pradesh emerged Group III winners having maintained their unbeaten run in the 27th Senior Women’s National Football, with a comprehensive 19-1 win over Andhra Pradesh, at PJN stadium, Fatorda on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Goa, who gave a tough fight to Odisha in the other fixture had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their final clash. The result saw Goa finish third with seven points and miss out on a place to qualify. The result also left Odisha finishing with eight points in the second position. They now depend on the results of the other teams as the four best second-placed teams from the six groups will qualify for the next round.
Knowing that nothing less than a win would give Goa a lifeline to qualify for the next phase, the hosts started on the attacking front. Playing against a team which had scored 23 goals in their last three games, Goa didn’t shy away, instead putting up the finest display surprising the crowd and their opponents.
In the last three games, Goa had scored 12 goals and Karen Estrocio had netted the maximum. And if Goa needed any goals, it was sure it would be the striker to score for the hosts. And she delivered just before the breather scoring a beauty to put Goa ahead in the game.
The goal gave Goa some respite and hopes of making it through. Moreover, it was the result which would help them earn recognition, knowing how good their opponents were. But just when they had started believing in themselves, an error from the keeper helped the visitors to capitalize and equalize in the 65th minute through Satyabati Khadi. The scores remained 1-1 till the final whistle.
In the earlier fixture, Himachal Pradesh, coached by former Dempo SC academy coach Vaman Chari recorded another impressive win. Anju smashed in seven goals while Poonam and Manisha netted a treble each. Naketa and skipper Riya Sharma scored a brace for the winning side. H.P. Poonam and Nisha were the other goal-getters for the winners. For Andhra Pradesh, it was Kolluru Anuradha with the only goal for her team in the 24th minute.
