Afreen’s Strike Helps Maharashtra Snatch 1-0 Win Against Kerala

by Chittu Shetty April 4, 2023

In a crucial Group-II league match of the Hero 27th Senior Women’s National Football Championship, Maharashtra secured their third successive win by defeating Kerala 1-0 at the IGIS Complex, Haldwani, Uttarakhand.

Afreen Peerbhoy’s stunning free-kick goal in the first minute of additional time of the first half proved to be the decisive winning goal. The win makes it three in a row for Maharashtra girls as they went on top of the league table

Both teams played an open attacking game, but Maharashtra managed to gain the advantage when they earned a free-kick just inside the Kerala half. Afreen’s powerful long shot was misjudged by Kerala goalkeeper Varsha and found the back of the net, triggering celebrations amongst the Maharashtra players.

Despite Kerala’s efforts to equalize, Maharashtra’s defense held firm to secure their third win and top position in the group. With nine points in hand, the Sanaya Anklesaria-coached team has enhanced their chances of progressing to the next phase of the championship.

In their upcoming matches, Maharashtra will take on hosts Uttarakhand, who are in fourth position with four points, on Wednesday (April 5). They will then face off against Chandigarh in their final group match on Saturday (April 8).

The victory against Kerala marks Maharashtra’s impressive form in the championship, and they will look to carry this momentum forward in their upcoming fixtures. The final score from Group II was Maharashtra 1 (Afreen Peerbhoy) beating Kerala 0.

Result – Group II: Maharashtra 1 (Afreen Peerbhoy 45+1′) beat Kerala 0.

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