Shillong, Nov 20: Meghalaya lost their fourth and final Group E match 4-1 to Goa in the Senior Women’s National Football Championship in Sundargarh, Odisha, yesterday.
Meghalaya had previously lost to hosts Odisha, Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh.
All four of Goa’s goals came in before the 30th minute of the match.
It started with Pearl Fernandes (1′) scoring the first of her hat-trick goals, followed by a burst of goals, first by Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar (24′) and then Fernandes again (27′, 29′).
Meghalaya coach Iaikyntiewlang Nongkynrih then made four changes before half time and her team pulled a goal back in the 58th minute through Marbarin Nongrum.
However, Meghalaya were reduced to 10 players in the 66th minute after goalkeeper Banrilang Lyngdoh Nongbri (herself a substitute) was sent off for a red card offence.
The new executive body of the Meghalaya Football Association has said that it will look into how to strengthen and grow women’s football in the state. With four losses in the national tournament even with some of the best names in Meghalaya women’s football in the team, it really does seem apparent that much has to be done.
Meghalaya’s line-up yesterday:
Banrisha Wahlang (GK) (sub Banrilang Lyngdoh Nongbri 40′), Baiarkynti Mylliemngap (sub Fuldamary Umsong 37′), Aibaplielad Skhemiew, Badarisha Kharumnuid, Kynrohbaskhem Shylla (sub Phidarilin Swer 37′), Sunalinda Iawren, Saviinity Jyndiang, Ibakordor Wahlang, Felicia Sympli, Marbarin Nongrum, Saralin Warlarpih (sub Charlinda Nongtdu 45’+3)
