Shillong, Nov 17: The Meghalaya Football Association has named a 22-member squad to be led by experienced and highly regarded coach Hering Shangpliang for the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25.
The state team will leave Shillong on Monday for Nalbari, Assam, where the Group E fixtures will be held.
At the farewell function here on Saturday, the squad, which will be captained by Fullmoon Mukhim, was given words of encouragement from MFA President Hamletson Dohling, General Secretary Sunesh Syiem and Vice-President Cliff Nongrum.
“Looking at the team, I know we have a strong chance. This is a golden opportunity for you to bring laurels to the state and we in the MFA have great hope in you,” Dohling said.
Meghalaya will first play Arunachal Pradesh on 20th November, followed by Nagaland on 22th November and hosts Assam on 24th November. Only the group winners will progress to the next round.
The players have a mix of experience but are talented, fit and eager for the challenge ahead. They have also had adequate match experience, with all having been drawn from Shillong Premier League 2024 clubs; three of these clubs are also in the MFA’s Meghalaya State League 2024, which was paused recently to allow for the players to have enough time to train together to represent Team Meghalaya.
Meghalaya squad:
Goalkeepers – Siwel Rymbai, Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Lambhamiki Lamare
Defenders – Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Aibiangmame Nongneng, Donborlang Nongkynrih, Overkindness L Mawnai, Badondor Marbaniang, Banraplang Pyngrope, Arlanky Nongsiej
Midfielders – Baiaikara Swer, Aenam G Jyrwa, Fullmoon Mukhim (C), Damanbhalang Chyne (VC), Farming Suting, Dibormi Kassar, Kevin Rymbai, Robertson Khongriah
Forwards – Donlad Diengdoh, Deibormame Tongper, Khrawkupar Jana, Owanijuh Pajuh
Meghalaya officials: Hering Shangpliang (Head Coach), Dapmon Tariang (Assistant Coach), Amit Rai (Goalkeeping Coach), Freddy Kharpran (Manager), Elderson Warbah (Physio)
(Meghalaya Football Association photo)
