Shillong, Jul 30: Meghalaya were removed from contention for a place in the semifinals of the Junior Boys National Football Championship (Tier 1) 2024 following a 2-1 defeat to Punjab in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh today.
Only one team from each group will progress to the semis and this is Meghalaya’s second defeat in Group C (after a loss to Chandigarh in the opener) and they, therefore, cannot mathematically qualify.
Punjab went up thanks to Jugraj Singh (12′) and Daljinder Singh (56′) before Iminstar Mawlong (78′) pulled one back for Meghalaya in what was the team’s first goal of the tournament.
Meghalaya still have a group game to go and that will be against Karnataka on Thursday.
Chandigarh had beaten Karnataka 2-0 today. With Punjab having won against Karnataka two days ago, the fight to progress to the knockouts lies solely between Chandigarh and Punjab, who will also meet on Thursday.
Meghalaya team today:
Samepaia Thangkhiew (GK), Eriliting Pohshna, Banteilangki Sumer, Wanpyndap Kharkongor, Alicestar Thangkhiew, Iminstar Mawlong, Robindor Kyrsian, Hame-da-o Nongtdu (sub Baniar Kharsahnoh 71′), Menangpyndap Khongjee, Embhahlang Biam (sub Medonbanshan Kurkalang HT), Jinial Rasmut