Goa has been placed in Group A along with Kerala and Gujarat for the 77th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2023-24.

GFA President, Dr. Caitano Fernandes, expressed his excitement for the upcoming competition and highlighted the extensive preparations already underway. "Last year's tournament highlighted some areas where we fell short, but we have taken those lessons to heart. The GFA core committee has worked diligently to address those shortcomings, and this year, we are determined to be well-prepared for the challenge ahead. Knowing our group opponents, we are confident of putting up a strong performance," he stated.

Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are the other three teams in the Group A.

Dr. Caitano Fernandes further revealed his vision for Goa's football, asserting, "Our ultimate aim is to clinch a National title during my tenure as the GFA President. We are committed to making this dream a reality."

The GFA, in collaboration with the coaching staff and players, is gearing up to give their best in both competitions.

“We have now Mariano and Savio Medeira on board and with their expertise, I am sure we will do well in this edition,” concluded Dr. Caitano.

The Santosh Trophy will see participation from 38 teams, while there will be 37 teams in the Senior Women’s NFC. Karnataka and Meghalaya, who were the two finalists of the Santosh Trophy in 2022-23 will gain direct entry into the Final Rounds of the competition, while the same will apply for Tamil Nadu and Haryana, who played the final of the Senior Women’s NFC 2022-23.

In the Santosh Trophy Group Stage, the 36 teams have been divided into six groups of six teams each. The winners and the four best second-placed teams, along with the champions and runners-ups from the 2022-23 season.

In addition to the men's tournament, the AIFF also unveiled the draw for the 28th Senior Women's National Football Championship. Goa's women's team has been drawn into Group E, where they will compete against tough opponents Odisha and Meghalaya.

77th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2023-24 Groupings:

Group A: Kerala, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir.

Group B: Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Delhi, Ladakh, West Bengal.

Group C: Manipur, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.

Group D: Railways, Bihar, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Assam, Himachal Pradesh.

Group E: Services, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, Pondicherry, Sikkim, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu.

Group F: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Tripura.

28th Senior Women’s National Football Championship 2023-24 Groupings:

Group A: Manipur, Pondicherry, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh.

Group B: West Bengal, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Nagaland.

Group C: Chandigarh, Assam, Sikkim, Karnataka, Kerala, Tripura.

Group D: Jharkhand, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir.

Group E: Odisha, Goa, Meghalaya, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat.

Group F: Railways, Maharashtra, Andaman & Nicobar, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh.