PANAJI
The Goa Football Association (GFA) on Sunday announced a 20-member squad for the Santosh Trophy Group Stage, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, with head coach Keenan Almeida set to lead the team’s campaign in the national championship.
Goa, placed in Group H alongside Lakshadweep, Karnataka and Services, will open their campaign against Services on December 20.
The squad includes Denil Rebello, Joseph Clemente, Kunal Kundaikar, Reezvon Fernandes, Umang Gaikwad, Salgeo Dias, Stendly Fernandes, Vellington Fernandes, Sanij Bugde, Crysler Afonso, Pratik Naik, Tippanna Bhavikatti, Shridharanath Gawas, Joshua D’Silva, Sankalp Kankonkar, Ariston Costa, Llyod Cardozo, Arnold Oliveira, Brian Faria and Selwyn Miranda.
Almeida, who has been closely involved in the team’s preparations and player assessments, will be assisted by Harshad Zalmi as assistant coach, with Omkar Vaigankar named team manager and Anisha Priolkar serving as physiotherapist.
The focus, the GFA said, has been on assembling a balanced squad capable of adapting to the demands of the group stage.
GFA president Caitano Fernandes said the association had full faith in the players and the support staff guiding the team.
“We have selected a balanced and committed squad that reflects the depth of footballing talent in Goa. The Santosh Trophy has always been a prestigious platform, and I am confident the team will represent the State with discipline, determination, and pride," Fernandes said.
GOA SQUAD: Denil Rebello, Joseph Clemente, Kunal Kundaikar, Reezvon Fernandes, Umang Gaikwad, Salgeo Dias, Stendly Fernandes, Vellington Fernandes, Sanij Bugde, Crysler Afonso, Pratik Naik, Tippanna Bhavikatti, Shridharanath Gawas, Joshua DSilva, Sankalp Kankonkar, Ariston Costa, Llyod Cardozo, Arnold Oliveira, Brian Faria, and Selwyn Miranda.
