Bhubaneswar: After losing their first match to Bengal, Odisha bounced back in style as they defeated Goa 4-2 in a Group A match of the 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2025-26 Final Round at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Pyari Xaxa netted a hat-trick for Odisha as Goa suffered their second loss of the competition. The victory helped Odisha climb to the second spot in the table behind Bengal, who notched up their second win by defeating Tamil Nadu 3-0.

Pyari Xaxa did the star turn as her hat-trick propelled Odisha to a comfortable victory. The rout started early as Pyari Xaxa scored back-to-back goals in the 15th and 16th minutes.

The first goal came from a set-piece. Jasoda Munda floated in a corner from the left, and Pyari, who was left unmarked in the box, jumped to head home and put Odisha in the lead.

Odisha extended their lead in the very next minute. Goa goalkeeper Ria Rajesh managed to thwart Khadia’s long ranger from 20 yards, but Pyari showed her poaching instincts by scoring off the rebound.

Odisha’s third goal in the 35th minute was a gift from Ria as she spilt a ball in what should have been an easy collection of a cross from the left. Khadia pounced on the goalkeeper’s misfortune to find the back of the net.

Goa regrouped and tried to make a comeback in the second half by scoring two goals. The first came in the 56th minute from Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar’s right-footed strike from 19 yards. Karishma struck again in the 64th minute after being fed a beautiful pass from Flani Costa.

However, Odisha ensured victory in added time when Pyari completed her hat-trick by heading home a cross by Malati Munda from the left.

Team Odisha will play its next match against Chhattisgarh on 7th October 2025 at RKM Ashrama Ground, Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.

Tags: Football