Shillong, Sep 25: Meghalaya concluded their campaign in the Dr Talimeren Ao National Football Championship for Junior Girls (Tier 2) 2026-27 with a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in the first semifinal today morning in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
The Meghalaya girls, coached by Haphilabet Kharkongor, defeated Jammu and Kashmir 8-0 and Punjab 2-1 to top their group and qualify for the semis. Meghalaya were in the four-team Group C but Nagaland withdrew before the start, leaving just two opponents to face.
SAI, however, were in the five-team Group A. They won all four of their group fixtures, defeating Chandigarh 11-0, Sikkim 5-1, Tripura 6-0 and Uttarakhand 5-2. This SAI team largely comprises players from Assam and other North East states.
Today coach Haphi made three changes to Meghalaya’s starting lineup, bringing in Laiahunlang Nongrang, Bansara Rynshiang and Saphidabet Kharmalki in place of Ripaia Phawa, Bandabetshisha Nongrum and Jenisha Rani.
On a rain-soaked early morning Yaiphabi Thokchom (43′) gave SAI the lead at the end of the first half and her teammates continued on from there after the break, with Sayani Chakraborty (57′, 70′, 72′) scoring a hat-trick and Anjaly Lhouvum (64′) netting just 3 minutes after appearing as a substitute. The final goal of the match was by Yaiphabi (84′) again.
Although the defeat will be tough to take, reaching the semifinals was an accomplishment in itself. Meghalaya didn’t participate in the tournament last year and were knocked out in the group stage in 2024.
Meghalaya today:
Dawansaphi Snaitang (GK), Paleimon L Lyngkhoi, Daficare Lyngkhoi, Nishalin Nongrum, Venecle Kharmusulman, Peacefully Pohplet, Vanessa P Mawthoh, Deiphiwansara Lyngkhoi, Laiahunlang Nongrang (sub Queenilia Kharkongor HT (sub Bandabetshisha Nongrum 73′)), Bansara Rynshiang, Saphidabet Kharmalki
(File photo)