Shillong, Feb 11: Meghalaya suffered a 2-0 defeat to Services in their first match in Group B of the final round of the 76th Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy in Bhubaneswar today.
Both goals came in the first half. Sunil B scored the first, in the 28th minute, followed by Moirangthem Ronaldo Singh in the first minute of stoppage time.
Coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh made two substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on Manbhakupar Iawphniaw and Donboklang Lyngdoh, and made another change half an hour later with the introduction of Everbrightson Mylliempdah but to no avail.
Meghalaya qualified for the final round of the Santosh Trophy by topping Group 5 in the preliminary stage on 1st January. Services and Railways received direct entry into the final round.
Services have won the Santosh Trophy six times, with the last occasion being in 2018-19.
Meghalaya will take on Manipur in their next match on 13th February. Manipur defeated Railways 3-1 today. The other match saw Delhi and West Bengal draw 2-2.
Today’s Meghalaya squad: Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Donlad Diengdoh, Figo Syndai (sub Manbhakupar Iawphniaw 46′), Nikelson Bina (sub Everbrightson Mylliempdah 76′), Fullmoon Mukhim, Dawanchwa Carlos Challam, Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh Nonglait (sub Donboklang Lyngdoh 46′), Allen Lyngdoh Nongbri, Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Brolington Warlarpih, Donborlang Nongkynrih
