Confident Goa face Rajasthanin opener of women’s nationals

Panaji: Goa will rely on familiar surroundings and home advantage as they open their campaign in the 27th Senior Women's National Football Championship with a clash against Rajasthan at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.
Goa started their preparations from February 13 at the Rosary ground, Navelim. There have been breaks in between, but the players have shown promise, with head coach Girijadevi Desai and her support team getting the team in shape.
All that they now need is fans to turn up for their games at Fatorda.
“I feel we will have support and it will help. At least people will come, and their families will be there so the team’s performance will be boosted,” Girijadevi told TOI after a training session.
There were many probables who turned up after the conclusion of the Goa Women’s League and the hardest part for the coach was to trim the list to final 22 players.
“The mood is very positive in the team. We are just focused on one thing and that is to qualify. We keep encouraging them, even if they make mistakes,” said Girijadevi.
This edition of the Nationals has a total of 31 teams that have been divided into six groups in the qualifying round, played in six different venues across the country. Other teams in Goa’s group include Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
“I feel only Odisha will be tough for us, but Himachal can also be difficult because they usually get players from Haryana and other states. But my girls are very much positive and very good,” said the chief coach.
The final round will feature only 12 teams which will include six group winners, five best runnersup, and the Railways, who have been given a direct entry. The 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six each. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.
Goa have played three practice games against junior boy’s teams and have won one. The team, though, is unperturbed by the results.
Leading the Goa defence is Scindia Saundatikar, while Velanie Fernandes has the ability to control the midfield and even strike from distance. There is Laura Estibeiro and Vailanka D’Souza to support Velanie.
On the flanks, Namita Govekar and Sushmita Jadav have shown a lot of promise. Arpita Pednekar can trouble any defence and there are many others who can pitch in several positions if needed.
Goa, though, will look for a good start from where they can launch their campaign and better their semifinal appearance achieved more than a decade ago.
The kick off is at 4pm.
Team: Prithi Kesarkar, Ashika Gadekar, Josline D’Souza, Scindia Saundatikar, Kulsum Shaik, Laura Estibeiro, Malvita Mascarenhas, Rhea Pires, Nusrat Kotewale, Alisha Tavares, Velanie Fernandes, Arpita Pednekar, Vailanka D’Souza, Namita Govekar, Sushmita Jadav, Puspa Parab, Joyvi Fernades, Rizella Almeida, Karen Estrocio, Aniela Barretto, Joizima Fernandes and Flani Costa. Officials: Head coach: Girijadevi Desai, assistant coach: Gracy D’Costa, physiotherapist: Sneha Dhargalkar, manager: Cosme Oliveira.
ACTION TODAY
Andhra Pradesh vs Odisha, 8am; Rajasthan vs Goa, 4pm, Women's Football Nationals, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda