Shillong, Dec 15: Meghalaya rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Tamil Nadu in their opening match of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 final round opener at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad today.
Damanbhalang Chyne (50′, 69′) scored both goals for Meghalaya in the Group B clash after Tamil Nadu seized a two-goal lead in the first half via Pandiyan Sinivasan (28′) and Alexander Romario Jesuraj (45’+2).
Starting the second half, Meghalaya coach Hering Shangpliang made two attacking substitutions to try and shake up the game, bringing on Khrawkupar Jana and Fairming Suting and the team were able to then pull a goal back with Damanbhalang’s first of the day.
After levelling proceedings Meghalaya tried to nudge themselves in front with Deibormame Tongper coming on for Donlad Diengdoh in a like-for-like substitution of strikers but the two teams had to settle for a point.
In the day’s other Group B matches, Kerala beat 2023-24 runners-up Goa 4-3 and Delhi blanked Odisha 2-0.
The top four sides from each of the two groups will progress to the quarterfinals, so today’s result is a minor setback only, with much more expected of Meghalaya in the games to come.
Their next fixture will be on Tuesday at 7:30PM against Kerala.
Meghalaya’s squad today:
Siwel Rymbai (GK), Aibiangmame Nongneng (sub Khrawkupar Jana HT), Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Donborlang Nongkynrih, Arlangky Nongsiej, Overkindness L Mawnai, Baiaikara Swer (sub Fairming Suting HT), Damanbhalang Chyne, Fullmoon Mukhim, Robertson Khongriah, Donlad Diengdoh (sub Deibormame Tongper 86′)
(All India Football Federation photo)
