Shillong, Sep 20: Meghalaya demonstrated true grit and determination to overcome an early one goal deficit to beat Punjab 2-1 in Group C of the Dr Talimeren Ao National Football Championship for Junior Girls (Tier 2) 2026-27.
Meghalaya conceded in the 10th minute but equalised in the 61st through Ripaia Phawa before snatching the win with a stoppage time goal by Peacefully Pohplet (90’+4) in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
Group C has been reduced to three teams with the withdrawal of Nagaland. Having defeated Jammu & Kashmir 8-0 in their opening match two days ago, Meghalaya have thus secured a full 6 points from two outings and confirmed first place in the group.
Meghalaya coach Haphilabet Kharkongor made two changes, bringing Venecle Kharmusulman and Deiphiwansara Lyngkhoi into the starting line-up in place of Saralang Lapang and Bansara Rynshiang.
Meghalaya were put under pressure today morning as Punjab’s Japleen Kaur (10′) scored from a deceptively innocuous-looking free-kick that went up and over goalkeeper Dawansaphi Snaitang.
Punjab held that lead for another 50 minutes but they conceded the equaliser as Meghalaya scored from a free-kick of their own. Taken by Peacefully, the Punjab goalie managed to block the curling shot on target but, during a scrum to gain control of the rebound, Ripaia (61′) managed to connect forcefully with the ball and spear it into the net.
The match continued level at 1-1 until stoppage time when Meghalaya snatched the lead with the best goal of the day. From quite a distance away, Peacefully (90’+3) took a direct free-kick that Punjab’s keeper Suhana got her gloves to but could not keep from crossing the line.
It was a stunning winner that put Meghalaya directly into the semifinal without having to wait for the result from Punjab’s game against J&K on 22nd September.
Meghalaya will, however, have to wait a few days for their semifinal match, which will be against the winner of Group A on 25th September.
Meghalaya today:
Dawansaphi Snaitang (GK), Ripaia Phawa, Paleimon L Lyngkhoi, Daficare Lyngkhoi, Nishalin Nongrum, Venecle Kharmusulman (sub Bansara Rynshiang HT), Bandabetshisha Nongrum (sub Saphidabet Kharmalki 67′), Peacefully Pohplet, Vanessa P Mawthoh, Deiphiwansara Lyngkhoi, Jenisha Rani
(Meghalaya Football Association photo)