A new force is rising in Indian women’s football — Sesa Football Academy (SFA) Senior Women’s Team has scripted a remarkable debut in the Indian Women’s League-2 (IWL2), entering the national Playoffs as one of the top-performing teams. The official hosts are all set to roll out their debut IWL-2 playoff campaign at the Duler Stadium on 9th May.
In their first-ever appearance in IWL2, the SFA Senior Women’s Team, also known as the #SFALionesses, have turned heads with their aggressive playmaking, rock-solid defence, and unflinching spirit. The team remained unbeaten through the group stage, topping the table and scoring 13 goals in four matches against experienced opponents — a feat that speaks volumes of the grit and ambition fuelling this dynamic squad.
Their campaign was marked by a confident, attacking brand of football, laced with tactical intelligence and an unmistakable hunger to win. The team’s fluid movement and technical finesse were matched by their mental fortitude, making them one of the most talked-about sides in this year’s IWL2. This is all the more remarkable as the Team was initially not slated to be a part of the IWL2 Group Stage. Getting an entry only due to a last-minute withdrawal, the #SFALionesses showed class and that they very much belong to the upper echelons of women’s football in India. Now, the first-time winners of the Vedanta Women’s League – Goa’s premier women’s football tournament, are brimming with confidence & self-belief while readying to take on the best in India.
At the heart of this dream run have been standout performers like Pushpa Parab, who led the frontline with relentless pace and precision, and Team Captain Sushmita, who anchored the midfield with vision, composure, and infectious energy.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ria Rajesh proved to be an immovable wall, pulling off match-defining saves that preserved the team’s dominant goal difference and clean sheets.
“We have built something truly special” – Severino Fernandes
Speaking ahead of the Playoffs, Severino Fernandes, Head Coach of the SFA Women’s Team, reflected on the journey with pride:
“This team is the result of belief, resilience, and pure hard work. We have built something truly special here at SFA. I am glad that the Team is carrying forward their rich vein of form from the VWL. They have demonstrated a level of commitment and maturity that belies their IWL2 debut status. As we prepare to host the Playoffs, we’re doubling down on every detail — our preparations include high-intensity drills, match simulations, detailed opposition analysis, and focused recovery sessions.
I am confident that the Team will perform well and make every Goan proud.”
SFA’s rise as a powerhouse in women’s football in Goa has been a result of a painstaking process adopted by Vedanta Sesa Goa in positioning & enabling the Academy to be able to take on an entirely different segment of the game. The players are now on the cusp of making history & embodying SFA’s dictum of – #LetsFootballForIndia.
Gavin Araujo, Technical Director at SFA, believes this is just the beginning:
“This is a moment of transformation for women’s football. What we’re witnessing is a turning point. The performance of our Women’s Team is not an outlier — it is the result of ground work laid through the Vedanta Women’s League, our investment in scouting and development, and a progressive footballing ecosystem that encourages young women to dream big. This group of players has shown what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. They’ve put in the hours, they’ve faced tough battles on the field, and now they’re poised to compete at the highest level. Hosting the Playoffs is a proud moment for all of us at SFA, and we’re confident the girls will rise to the occasion — not just to win, but to inspire.”
The stage is set, and the stakes have never been higher. Starting 9th May, the #SFALionesses will carry forward the aspirations and legacy of Goan football while locking horns with the Garhwal United FC (Delhi), Roots FC (Bengaluru), Krida Prabhodini Pune (Maharashtra) & Indian Arrows Women Juniors (AIFF developmental side).
Each team brings its own style, experience, and ambition — setting the stage for a gripping footballing spectacle in Goa.
For the #SFALionesses, these Playoffs are not just about chasing the coveted title — it’s a mission to reignite Goan football
