MARGAO
Kerala produced a commanding performance to defeat 10-man Goa 3“0 in the Sub-Junior Boys National Football Championship 2025“26 at the Shri Haragobind Football Stadium, Punjab, on Thursday.
The first half ended goalless, but Kerala struck thrice in a ruthless second-half spell to seal the victory.
Both sides began cautiously, with Goa’s defenders standing firm early on. However, the match turned when Jerrel Valentino Moura was sent off in the 10th minute for handling the ball off a flag kick by Prayag Raman, reducing Goa to ten men. Kerala then took control, dominating possession and pressing high.
The breakthrough came in the 70th minute when substitute Muhammed Aflah curled home a superb free kick, capitalizing on Goa’s defensive lapse. Goa’s woes deepened when goalkeeper Velison Furtado suffered an injury and was replaced by Jonathan Rodrigues.
Kerala continued to push forward and sealed the win late in the game, with Savio Stalin’s stunning long-range strike in the 85th minute finding the roof of the net. Despite Goa’s late efforts to salvage pride, Kerala’s goalkeeper stood firm to ensure a clean sheet and a convincing win.
