Shillong, Dec 17: Meghalaya have it all to do if they want to salvage their campaign in the final round of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 after they lost 1-0 to Kerala in Hyderabad this evening.
Kerala’s Muhammad Ajsal scored the only goal in the 37th minute of the Group B encounter.
Meghalaya coach Hering Shangpliang made two changes to the starting lineup that drew with Tamil Nadu two days ago; he brought in Badondor Marbaniang and Khrawkupar Jana in place of Aibiangmame Nongneng and Baiaikara Swer.
Like in the previous match, the opposition had the stronger first half before Meghalaya upped their game in the second but this time there were no points to be had as Kerala held on to their narrow lead.
Ajsal was in the thick of the action throughout the first 45 minutes and won a battle with two Meghalaya players before scoring a stunning low shot from distance that beat a diving Siwel Rymbai in goal.
Later, Meghalaya had several good chances to equalise but they were unable to convert though they came very close a few times, with the ball coming off the woodwork on at least two occasions.
Today’s other results in Group B saw Odisha defeat Goa 2-0 and Delhi beat Tamil Nadu by the same margin. Delhi and Kerala are at the top of the table with a full 6 points from two games. Odisha are third with 3 points, while Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu both have 1, with Meghalaya the better goal difference (-1 to -2). Goa are bottom of the group with 0 points. The top four teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals.
Meghalaya will next play against Delhi on Thursday at 2:30PM.
Meghalaya’s squad today:
Siwel Rymbai (GK), Badondor Marbaniang (sub Wilbert D Marbaniang 90’+4), Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Donborlang Nongkynrih (sub Fairming Suting 64′), Arlangky Nongsiej, Overkindness L Mawnai, Damanbhalang Chyne, Fullmoon Mukhim, Robertson Khongriah (sub Owanijuh Pajuh 76′), Khrawkupar Jana (sub Deibormame Tongper 64′), Donlad Diengdoh (sub Kevin Rymbai 76′)
(All India Football Federation photo)
