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 on Sunday.
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. Earlier in the day, Kerala beat 2023-24 runners-up Goa 4-3, also in Group B. The other two teams, Delhi and Odisha, are set to face each other later this evening. 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.
Despite the spirited comeback, Meghalaya will view the result as a missed opportunity to grab all three points in their opening fixture.
However, the team’s resilience and Damanbhalang Chyne’s brilliance are positives they can build on as the tournament progresses.
With tougher challenges ahead, starting with a high-flying Kerala side on Tuesday, Meghalaya will need to tighten their defence and make the most of their attacking opportunities to stay in contention for a quarterfinal spot.
