MARGAO
Goa delivered a commanding performance in the 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2025“26, thrashing Madhya Pradesh 6“1 at the Bhavnagar University Ground in Gujarat on Friday.
The highlight of the match was a brilliant hat-trick from Pushpa Parab, who led Goa’s attacking charge. Goa went into halftime with a comfortable 4“0 lead, setting the tone for a dominant display throughout the match.
Goa began the game with high intensity, pressing deep into the opposition’s half and creating early chances. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute, when Pushpa Parab slotted home the opening goal. Just ten minutes later, Fatima Braganza doubled the lead with a well-orchestrated team move.
Pushpa added her second in the 25th minute, finishing a precise pass with composure. She completed her hat-trick during first-half stoppage time (45+5’), giving Goa an unassailable lead going into the break.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with Goa maintaining control and piling on the pressure. In the 64th minute, Pushpa combined well with Karishma Shirvoikar to score Goa’s fifth. Karishma then got on the scoresheet herself in the 85th minute, clinically finishing past the Madhya Pradesh goalkeeper to seal the 6“0 scoreline.
With this emphatic victory, Goa climbs to the top of their group, strengthening their chances of advancing to the knockout stages and competing for the championship title.
Goa Head Coach Alfredo Fernandes expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. Speaking to The Goan Everyday after the match, he said: “I am happy with today’s match. We were able to improve in areas we’ve been focusing on ” especially controlling possession, making dynamic movements to support each other, and applying pressure when needed. We also showed patience in our decision-making.”
Coach Fernandes also noted that despite the big win, there were several missed opportunities that could have widened the margin.
“We missed many scoring chances and could have won by an even bigger margin, but overall, I’m satisfied with the team’s performance,” he added.
