Khelo India Beach Games 2025: Kerala outclass Goa to win beach soccer gold

Panaji: Kerala once again had the last laugh against Goa in beach soccer.
On Friday, Kerala outclassed their rivals 12-4 in the gold medal match at the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 at Ghogla beach, Diu, on Friday.
The defeat will hurt Goa after an earlier loss against Kerala (7-5) in the final when the state hosted the 37th National Games in 2023.
Goa put up a brave show in the first period even as they trailed 1-2. However, Kerala were too good in the second period as they scored eight goals and conceded just one. With the gold medal almost confirmed, Kerala took their foot off the accelerator in the final period but still managed to score four more even as Goa put up a fight.
Beach soccer is played for 12 minutes each across three periods and Kerala broke the deadlock with two minutes left for the first when Lenin Mithran unleashed a powerful shot which was blocked by Goa custodian Pratik Kankonkar. However, the rebound fell to Rohit Yesudas, who made no mistake from close range.
Kerala could have easily doubled their advantage, but Muhseer shot wide with only Pratik at his mercy.
Goa got a lifeline before the first period break when a rival player handled the ball. Pedro Gonsalves converted the penalty with ease.
But Goa could not keep their focus as Musheer scored Kerala’s second with a scorching right-footer.
A minute into the second period Enas KP scored Kerala’s third. Lenin Mithran then secured his brace while Baisth KP made it 5-1. Musheer also secured his brace.
Goa had to restart once again from the centre, but a poor back pass allowed Enas to take advantage and inflate Kerala’s lead.
Chaitan Dabholkar reduced the margin for Goa but Rohith Yesudas soon made it 8-2.
Musheer then completed his hat-trick. He was simply unstoppable as he took the Goa defence for a ride and curled in his fourth of the evening as Kerala raced to a 10-2 lead.
Pedro gave Goa some respite when he pulled one before the end of the second period. Goa did well in the third period as they restricted Kerala from scoring while Sachidanand Satelkar scored from a freekick for Goa’s fourth goal.
Kerala did get back to scoring with Rohit Yesudas finding the back of the net along with Roy R to complete the rout.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Daughter's Day wishes, messages and quotes !