Sethu FC routs Baroda in league opener

Sethu Football Club (Madurai), the only team from Tamil Nadu in the prestigious Hero-Indian Women’s League, began its campaign in the Qualifying league Group A with a resounding 16-0 win over Baroda Football Academy in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) on Saturday.

Striker R Sumithra pumped in six goals, including a hat-trick, Velanie Fernandes scored three, Puja Karmakar and M Nandhini struck two each while Laura Estibeiro, Manisha and A Karthika also got on the scorers list.

“This is a great start for our team and we hope to carry the momentum into our next game,” coach Kalpana Dass said. Sethu FC turned on the heat right from the start with Goan import Velanie scoring in the opening minute. At half time, Sethu FC led 8-0, with Sumithra’s hat-trick leaving the opposition stunned.

“It’s exciting to have scored six,” said Sumithra, who hails from Thiruvarur and has turned out for the state in the national championships. “We have been working methodically at practice. Our aim is to qualify,” she added.

Sethu FC play J&K State Sports Council on Monday in what is now an all-play- all five-team Group A following the withdrawal of Capital Complex Sporting Club (Arunachal Pradesh).