PANAJI
Goa's Pearl Fernandes made it to the final cut to represent the nation in the inaugural SAFF U-16 Women’s Championship.
Indian women's football head coach Biby Thomas Muttath unveiled the 23-player squad set. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Lalitpur, Nepal, from March 1 to 10, 2024.
Pearl Fernandes who hails from Arambol in North Goa has been for the last two seasons with Compassion FC is not only a star performer for the NGO based girl’s team from Goa but someone who has made name for herself in the national arena of women football not only in the junior ranks but also in the senior women category and is now finally with the national team.
The meticulously chosen squad emerged from a rigorous selection trial, with the probables undergoing intensive training in Goa. The final roster features a blend of talented players, symbolising the future of Indian women's football.
Anthony Pango, senior vice-president of Goa Football Association congratulated Pearl Fernandes on her selection. India's assistant coach and international defender Mahesh Gawli was also of full praise. "Very good news for Goan football. Happy for her. Good luck to her for the SAFF Cup. We have lots of talent in Goan football, more and more girls must represent India."
