Shillong, Apr 20: Meghalaya held off 11 Kerala players and a packed stadium of partisan fans to snatch a point in a sensational 2-2 draw in their second match of the final round of the senior men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy at the Manjeri Payyanad Football Stadium in Kerala today.
Both sides had the lead at different stages of the Group A game.
M Muhammed Safnad gave Kerala the opener in front of a full-to-capacity stadium in the 17th minute from close range after Meghalaya’s defence opened up a little too much. A second goal for the hosts was disallowed for offside later on.
Then, in the 40th minute, Atlanson Kharmaw turned in a beautiful cross which was headed into the back of the net by Kynsaibor Lhuid for the Meghalaya equaliser.
Switching over, Figo Syndai headed in a second goal and Meghalaya had the lead against the former champions in the 55th minute but it did not last long, as Kerala drew level in the 58th thanks to Muhammed Saheef, who could count himself a little lucky as the goal was far from convincing.
Despite conceding two, Meghalaya goalkeeper and man-of-the-match Frolicson Dkhar had a commendable stint between the sticks, which included an amazing save with an outstretched boot deep in the game to keep out what would have been the winner for Kerala.
Meghalaya, now with four points after the 3-2 win against Rajasthan on Monday, will next take on West Bengal on Friday at 4PM.