Shillong, May 12: Meghalaya suffered a shocking 5-0 loss to Mizoram in their very first match of the U-20 Men’s National Football Championship in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh today.
Hat-trick scorer Lalthankima (26′, 33′) gave Mizoram a 2-0 lead just over half an hour into the Group F match and Meghalaya coach Jeffrey Warlarpih made two substitutions in the first half itself.
That didn’t stem the tide, however, and Lalthankima picked up his third goal in the 47th minute, followed by strikes from team mates Lalngaihsaka (54′) and C Zomuanpuia (83′).
The championship, named after Swami Vivekananda, began in April. It is being held in stages so as to accommodate all the teams in the one venue. A total of 32 states are participating in the championship, the final of which will be played on 22nd May.
With only the top team progressing to the quarterfinals from each group, Meghalaya already have an uphill task ahead of them. They will play their next match against Rajasthan on Tuesday. Rajasthan had beaten Maharashtra 2-1 today morning.
Meghalaya’s line-up today:
Babitlang Wahlang (GK), Nickyboy Swer (sub Hubert James Lyngdoh 54′), Willbeson Jaba, Firstborn Roy Khongsti, Mebanaibok Kharbudnah, Ronald Kharkongor, Da-o-hi-paia Rymbai, Chibaitki Pamthied (sub Iashanbok Buhphang 40′), Richie Kharbani, Khainkupar Iawphniaw (sub Wanshwadame Diengdoh 40′), Samlang Rympei
(Meghalaya Football Association file photo)
