Shillong, Nov 24: Meghalaya held fast for a 1-1 draw against Assam that secured them a place in the final round of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 in Nalbari, Assam, today.
With one draw and wins against Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya topped Group E of the preliminary round with 7 points. Only the top team from each group will progress to the final round of the Santosh Trophy.
Meghalaya coach Hering Shangpliang made just one change to his starting lineup, bringing in Baiaikara Swer in place of Kevin Rymbai in the midfield.
Meghalaya knew going into today’s match that they needed a draw to make it through. Damanbhalang Chyne helped their chances by putting Meghalaya in front in the 56th minute but Assam were awarded a penalty late in the game and converted through Dipu Mirdha (88′) to give the hosts hope of a comeback win.
However, Meghalaya withstood the pressure and the game ended 1-1.
Damanbhalang was named Player of the Match.
The Meghalaya team were well-supported at the ground today by Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling, MFA General Secretary Sunesh Syiem and Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Shri HM Shangpliang, who all travelled to Nalbari to cheer on the team.
The winners of each of the nine groups will be joined in the final round by last season’s finalists Services and Goa and hosts Telangana. Meghalaya have been slotted in Group B along with Goa and Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi and Odisha.
Meghalaya’s squad today:
Siwel Rymbai (GK), Overkindness L Mawnai, Arlangky Nongsiej, Donborlang Nongkynrih (sub Banraplang Pyngrope 45’+4), Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Aibiangmame Nongneng (sub Fairming Suting 77′), Robertson Khongriah, Fullmoon Mukhim, Damanbhalang Chyne, Baiaikara Swer, Donlad Diengdoh (sub Aenam Jyrwa 90′)
Meghalaya’s final round fixtures:
vs Tamil Nadu, 15 December
vs Kerala, 17 December
vs Delhi, 19 December
vs Goa, 22 December
vs Odisha, 24 December
