By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 4: Meghalaya’s journey in the men’s football event at the 37th National Games in Goa concluded on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Kerala in Group B.
Despite a promising start and holding a two-goal advantage, Meghalaya’s hopes for a medal faded as Kerala staged a dramatic comeback in the dying moments of the match.
In the scorching heat, the game’s opening goal came in the 43rd minute when Donlad Diengdoh capitalized on a rebound opportunity after Kitboklang Pale’s initial attempt was partially blocked by Kerala’s vigilant defenders.
This goal marked Diengdoh’s third in as many matches, giving Meghalaya a 1-0 lead as the first half concluded.
The scoreline remained unchanged until the 84th minute when a Meghalaya free-kick was denied by the goalkeeper, but substitute Maxderidoff Wahlang was quick to convert the rebound into a goal.
However, Kerala displayed resilience and determination in the closing moments of the game. Yash Shukla found the back of the net with a straightforward tap-in (90’+1) after a well-placed cross.
Only two minutes later, a Meghalaya player inadvertently headed a Kerala free-kick into their own net, equalizing the score at 2-2.
With this result, Meghalaya’s men’s football campaign in the 37th National Games concluded with just one point from three matches, following previous losses to Manipur and Maharashtra.
Despite high hopes for a medal, the Santosh Trophy runners-up, Meghalaya, fell short of their aspirations in the ongoing national event.