Shillong, Nov 20: Meghalaya turned the tables in a remarkable comeback win against Arunachal Pradesh in the Group E opener in the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 in Nalbari, Assam, on Wednesday morning.
Arunachal were leading 3-1 at one stage before Meghalaya struck three goals in a row to win 4-3.
Overkindness L Mawnai (8’) gave Meghalaya the perfect start to their campaign by scoring in under 10 minutes from kick-off.
However, Arunachal fought their way back and took the lead by the end of the first half thanks to goals by Omang Dodum (15’) and Tagru James (45’+1).
Arunachal added a third in the 61st minute from Tarh Dolu but Meghalaya’s marksmen then took over, with Fullmoon Mukhim scoring the first of his goals in the 63rd minute, followed by substitute Robertson Khongriah (65’) soon after.
Fullmoon, Meghalaya’s captain and eventual Player of the Match, scored his second in the 83rd minute to seal victory for the Hering Shangpliang-coached state team.
Later, Nagaland edged hosts Assam 2-1 in a match involving the other two teams in Group E.
Meghalaya will next take on Nagaland at the same venue at 9am on Friday. Only one team will progress from each of the groups to the final round of the prestigious Santosh Trophy.
Meghalaya’s squad
Siwel Rymbai (GK), Overkindness L Mawnai, Arlangky Nongsiej, Donborlang Nongkynrih (sub Aenam Jyrwa 64’), Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Aibiangmame Nongneng (sub Deibormame Tongper 64’), Badondor Marbaniang (sub Robertson Khongriah HT), Damanbhalang Chyne (sub Baiaikara Swer 85’), Fullmoon Mukhim, Kevin Rymbai, Donlad Diengdoh (sub Banraplang Pyngrope 85’).