Shillong, Feb 25: Meghalaya finally got their first point of the 77th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2023-24 final round with a 1-1 draw against Kerala in Itanagar today.
Meghalaya had lost their first two Group A matches but managed to salvage a point today. Kerala, meanwhile, have 4 points.
After Naresh Bhagyanathan had given the 2022 champions Kerala a fourth-minute lead, the rest of the contest was only about a desperate Meghalaya searching for an equaliser, which they got from Sheen Sohktung in the 77th minute.
Coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh made five changes to the side that lost to Assam two days ago. Siwel Rymbai stood in goal in place of Lionel Rymmei, while the other new players to start were Damonlang Pathaw, Dawanplielad Myrchiang, Kitboklang Pale and Nelson Rymbai. On the bench were Lukas Syngkli, Baiaikara Swer, Chesterpaul Lyngdoh and Shaiborlang Kharpan.
Two new Kerala faces combined for the opening goal in the fourth minute.
Riswanali Edakkavil lifted a perfectly weighted ball forward for Naresh Bhagyanathan, who didn’t have to break stride and toed it past goalkeeper Siwel into the bottom corner.
Naresh was close to getting a second in the 20th minute but was denied by Dawanplielad’s goal line block. The Kerala striker was the quickest to react after Jithin Gopalakrishnan’s low shot was spilled by Siwel, but Dawanplielad was in the right place at the right time to prevent the goal.
It was then time for Meghalaya to push forward for the equaliser, with Sheen playing a key role. The forward sent a cushioned header inches wide of the far post from a Kitboklang cross before his curling free-kick from a narrow angle was tipped over by Kerala goalkeeper Mohammed Azhar.
The second half was all Meghalaya in attack. Syiemlieh’s side were guilty of missing some clear-cut opportunities like in the 59th minute when Kitboklang, on the rebound after Nikelson Bina’s shot was saved, could only hit the side netting in front of an open goal.
Ten minutes later, Meghalaya failed to capitalise on a communication error between Azhar and Akbar Sidhique as Nikelson side-footed his effort wide. Skipper Donborlang Nongkynrih also should’ve done better when he pounced on a loose ball but couldn’t generate enough power on his shot, which was easily gathered by Azhar.
However, the equaliser finally arrived in the 77th minute courtesy of Sarath KP bringing down Sheen in the box. The goal didn’t come without a hiccup though. Sheen’s penalty was saved by Azhar’s right palm but the Meghalaya forward was the quickest to the rebound and stabbed it home.
In the earlier match, Goa’s fine form continued as they beat Services 2-1. Assam and hosts Arunachal Pradesh will face off in the 7PM kick-off.
Meghalaya will next play Goa on 28th February at 7PM.
Meghalaya’s squad today:
Siwel Rymbai (GK), Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Donborlang Nongkynrih, Dawanplielad Myrchiang, Overkindness Lyngdoh Mawnai, Damonlang Pathaw, Dawanchwa Challam, Nikelson Bina, Kitboklang Pale (sub Robert Khongjoh 88′), Sheen Sohktung, Nelson Rymbai (sub Shaiborlang Kharpan 70′)
(All India Football Federation photo)
