Shillong, May 16: Meghalaya’s 2-0 victory over Maharashtra was pretty much in vain as Mizoram took top spot in Group F and, with it, a place in the quarterfinals of the U-20 Men’s National Football Championship in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh today.
Meghalaya knew even before kick-off that the result was immaterial but still went for the win and earned it thanks to goals by Mebanaibok Kharbudnah (26′), who converted a penalty after Willbeson Jaba was toppled in the box, and Iashanbok Buhphang (82′), who struck a sublime free-kick over a three-man wall into the net.
Mizoram had been involved earlier in the day and had seen off Rajasthan in a stylish 7-0 rout. To keep Meghalaya in the hunt, Rajasthan would have had to beat Mizoram and Meghalaya then defeat Maharashtra by a huge margin.
That was not to be and Mizoram thus topped the group with a full 9 points from three games. Meghalaya ended second with 6 points, with Rajasthan (3 points) third and Maharashtra (0) fourth.
Defeat to Mizoram in their opener four days ago was the major thorn in Meghalaya’s side. The boys were able to regroup and defeat Rajasthan in a thriller and then rolled over Maharashtra but it wasn’t enough as Mizoram ruled supreme.
Today, coach Jeffrey Warlarpih started with Nickyboy Swer and Freddy Banteilang Jyrwa in place of Shimpor Lyngwar and Iashanbok, who was brought on as a 59th minute substitute for Richie Kharbani. Wanshwadame Diengdoh, meanwhile, was named Player of the Match.
Meghalaya’s line-up today:
Babitlang Wahlang (GK), Hubert James Lyngdoh, Willbeson Jaba, Wanboklang Wahlang, Mebanaibok Kharbudnah, Nickyboy Swer, Da-o-hi-paia Rymbai, Richie Kharbani (sub Iashanbok Buhphang 59′), Wanshwadame Diengdoh, Freddy Banteilang Jyrwa, Samlang Rympei
(Meghalaya Football Association file photo)