Shillong, Nov 28: Meghalaya concluded their Group A campaign of the Sub-Junior National Football Championship final round unbeaten after playing out a 1-1 draw with Odisha in Kalyani, West Bengal, today.
Meghalaya had already secured a place in the semifinal round after winning their opening three fixtures and coach Jefferey Warlarpih took the opportunity to give starts to a couple of players for the first time today.
Odisha broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a header and this was the first time that Meghalaya had conceded first in the final round. They were behind for around 30 minutes until Baniatyllilang Mawkhiew brought down a chip expertly, steered his way past two defenders and then unleashed a strong left-footer that went past the Odisha goalkeeper in the 67th minute to find the equaliser.
This was the third match in a row in which Mawkhiew has scored.
As the first-placed team in Group A, Meghalaya will take on the runners-up of Group B (to be decided tomorrow) in the first semifinal on Sunday.
(Meghalaya Football Association file photo)
