Shillong, Dec 17: Meghalaya’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 took a significant hit after they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Kerala in a crucial Group B match held in Hyderabad on Tuesday evening.
The decisive moment of the game came in the 37th minute when Kerala’s Muhammad Ajsal produced a moment of individual brilliance to score the only goal of the match.
The forward, who had been a constant threat to Meghalaya’s defence in the first half, won a tussle against two defenders before unleashing a low-driven shot from outside the box. Despite Siwel Rymbai’s full-length dive, the ball nestled into the back of the net, leaving the Meghalaya goalkeeper helpless.
Coming into this fixture, Meghalaya coach Hering Shangpliang opted to make two changes to his starting eleven that drew 1-1 with Tamil Nadu in their opening encounter. Badondor Marbaniang and Khrawkupar Jana were brought in to replace Aibiangmame Nongneng and Baiaikara Swer as Shangpliang looked to freshen up the side.
However, Kerala’s early dominance in possession and pace left Meghalaya struggling to settle into the game in the first half.
Like their opening match, Meghalaya were slow to start and allowed the opposition to dictate proceedings in the initial stages.
Kerala’s midfield controlled the tempo of the game, while their forwards constantly tested the Meghalaya backline. Ajsal, in particular, caused numerous problems with his pace and positioning. The breakthrough eventually came when he capitalised on a lapse in Meghalaya’s defence and fired a powerful shot past Rymbai.
The goal served as a wake-up call for Meghalaya, and they returned in the second half with renewed vigour and purpose.
Their attacking intent saw them come agonisingly close to an equaliser on multiple occasions.
Twice, they struck the woodwork, leaving the Meghalaya bench and supporters frustrated. Despite sustained pressure in the final 20 minutes, Meghalaya could not find a way past Kerala’s disciplined defence, who held on resolutely to secure all three points.Coach Shangpliang expressed his disappointment with the result but remained optimistic about his team’s ability to bounce back. “It’s always difficult when you concede first, especially against a strong side like Kerala. The boys gave everything in the second half, but luck was not on our side. We’ll regroup and come back stronger in the next match,” Shangpliang said post-match.
The loss leaves Meghalaya in a precarious position in Group B.
In Tuesday’s other matches, Odisha defeated Goa 2-0, while Delhi cruised past Tamil Nadu by the same scoreline.
With two consecutive victories, Delhi and Kerala now sit comfortably at the top of the group with six points each. Odisha follow in third place with three points from two matches.
Meghalaya, on the other hand, remain on a single point, courtesy of their draw against Tamil Nadu.
Meghalaya will take on Delhi in a crucial fixture on Thursday at 2:30 PM. A victory is imperative if they are to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. Anything less could see their Santosh Trophy campaign end prematurely.
