Goa University Women’s Football Team finished among the top eight teams at the All India Inter-University Football Championship 2024-25 held at GNA University, Phagwara-Punjab from 11th to 16th January 2025; thus securing qualification for the prestigious Khelo India University Games 2025.
The team showcased remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament. Their campaign began with a closely-contested league-stage match against Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, Haryana, where the Goan team narrowly lost 1-2. Pushpa Parab scored the lone goal for Goa University in this game.
Bouncing back strongly, the GU team defeated Vels University, Chennai, 1-0 in the second league match with the help of a brilliant goal by Karen Estrocio. Continuing their winning momentum, Goa University secured an emphatic 5-1 victory against the University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal in the third league match and qualified for the knock-out stage. Pushpa Parab (2), Karen Estrocio (1), Sushmita Jadhav (1) and Flani Costa (1) were the goal-scorers.
In the quarter-finals, Goa University put up a valiant effort, but narrowly lost 1-2 to Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Despite the defeat, the team’s overall performance ensured a top-eight finish in the championship. This achievement marks a significant milestone as the team now looks forward to representing Goa University at the Khelo India University Games 2025.
The Goa University Women’s Football Team: Vanisha Vaz, Rizella Almeida, Janet Mesquita, Blessica Rodrigues, Anoshka D’ Souza, Rhea Pires, Sushmita Jadhav, Flani Costa, Aaroshi Govekar, Karen Estrocio, Pearl Almeida, Lysandra Rodrigues, Jovinia D’ Silva, Aniela Barretto, Vinoshka Fernandes, Pushpa Parab, Saniya Pednekar, Simran Narvekar, Tanvi Parulekar and Tanvi D. Khedekar; Coach: Ryan Pereira; Assistant Coach: Worrel D’Souza; Team Manager: Jeromina Colaco.
