Tanaya Naik will captain the Goa Women’s Under-23 team.
PANAJI
Tanaya Naik will captain the Goa Women’s Under-23 team in the upcoming Women’s U-23 One Day Trophy 2025-26, scheduled to be held in Dehradun from March 3 to March 11. Goa have been placed in Group E of the league stage and will play five matches in the tournament. The team will open their campaign against Hyderabad on March 3, followed by matches against Saurashtra (March 5), Chandigarh (March 7), Andhra (March 9) and Delhi (March 11). Goa U-23 Women’s Team: Tanaya Naik (Captain), Harshita Yadav, Urvashi Govekar, Tanisha Gaikawad, Pooja Kalel, Presha Naik, Palak Arondekar, Savali Kolambkar, Metali Gawander, Nirmiti Khanvilkar, Vidika Sawant, Swarali Kasar, Siddhi Savase, Kimya Desai, Harshada Kadam, Mrunmayee Bhike, Shilpa Sharma.
Anju ruled out; Karishma named replacement
MARGAO: The Indian women’s national team suffered a setback ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 with midfielder Anju Tamang ruled out due to injury. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed that Goa forward Karishma Shirvoikar has been named in India’s 26-member squad as Tamang’s replacement. A two-time Indian Women’s League winner, Tamang was among the most experienced players and played a key role in India’s qualification campaign. India, who qualified on merit for the first time, are placed in Group C alongside Vietnam, Japan and Chinese Taipei. They open their campaign against Vietnam on March 4, followed by matches against Japan on March 7 and Chinese Taipei on March 10.
Valpoi FC win Second Division title, earn promotion
MARGAO: Valpoi FC have been crowned champions of the Second Division League and have secured promotion to the Goa Football Association’s First Division League for the upcoming season.
Town Boys Sanguem enter Rebello Pandal quarters
MARGAO: Town Boys Sanguem staged a spirited comeback to defeat Pereira Bros 10/11 Raia 5-3 via the tiebreaker and advance to the quarterfinals of the 19th Rebello Pandal Maina All-Goa Football Tournament at St Rita Church ground, Maina-Curtorim. Both teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Pereira Bros took the lead through Shawn, while Town Boys found the equaliser in the dying minutes when Mackenzie fired home a powerful strike. In the ensuing tiebreaker, Anil, Pushkar, Flagan and Alvito converted for Town Boys, while Judson and Joshwa scored for Pereira Bros. Judson of Pereira Bros Raia was named man of the match and received the award from veteran footballer Piedade.
Namdev, Sanza win U-15 tie-breaker tournament
MARGAO: Namdev Gaonkar and Sanza Pereira emerged winners in the U-15 Tie-Breaker Football Tournament organised by Kaykee Youth Club, Dongorim Majorda, at St Anthony’s High School ground, Majorda.
A total of 56 boys and 12 girls participated. In the boys’ final, Namdev Gaonkar defeated Verrell Fery 1-0, while Sanza Pereira edged past Anamika Kumari 2-1 in the girls’ final. Headmistress Cynthia Fernandes attended as chief guest and PE teacher Mario Pereira was the guest of honour. Chairperson Keegan AW Fernandes welcomed the gathering and secretary Anjulo P Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.
RFL: East Bengal held by Sesa FA
MARGAO: East Bengal played out a 1-1 draw with Sesa Football Academy in the Reliance Foundation League 2025–26 at RCF Ghansoli on Wednesday. Sesa FA controlled large phases of the game with confident possession and patient build-up play, while East Bengal looked dangerous on the counter. Both sides tested each other in the first half but failed to break the deadlock. The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Venito Costa scored to put Sesa ahead. However, East Bengal fought back late in the game as Robert Thokchom struck a stunning long-range equaliser in the 84th minute to ensure the points were shared.
