By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 17: The Meghalaya Football Association announced its squad today for the upcoming Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025-26 preliminary round.
The state team will be captained by the experienced Hardy Cliff Nongbri and coached by the reputed Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh.
Shillong will host three matches of the preliminary round, with Group E consisting of Meghalaya, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Meghalaya will play Sikkim on 19 December and Arunachal on 23 December. Sikkim and Arunachal will face each other on 21 December. Kick-off for all three matches will be at 4pm at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, with tickets on sale at the venue on match days.
Players have been drawn from six different local clubs plus three who play their football for teams outside Meghalaya. They have been using these last few days of the selection camp to gel with each other and Syiemlieh’s own particular ethos.
“I am proud to be given the responsibility of captaining the team and it is an honour for all of us to represent Meghalaya,” Hardy said this evening after the final selection was made. “We’ve got a good squad and a great coach and have to adapt to the style of [coach Syiemlieh].”
The SSA Stadium has witnessed packed houses for crucial matches of the local Shillong tournaments and Hardy made an appeal directly to the fans, saying, “Thanks to the public supporting us players. I ask them once again to come and cheer for us, this time playing for the state team.”
Syiemlieh referenced Hardy’s seniority, leadership qualities and performance at his club Nongkseh this season, which made him the prime choice for captain.
The coach explained that time was short to prepare for the Santosh Trophy but the MFA has attempted to pick a balanced squad for the prestigious tournament and he has full confidence in the boys.
Only the winners of the nine groups will progress to the final round along with 2024-25 champions West Bengal, runners-up Kerala and final round hosts Assam, who have all received direct entry. This makes every match crucial and Meghalaya must deliver their best from the opening encounter.
Meghalaya squad
Goalkeepers: Wanteilang Malngiang, Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew, Nister Roy Suting
Defenders: Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Apborlang Kurbah, Wilbert D Marbaniang, Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi, Allen Camper L Nongbri, Arlangky Nongsiej, Mebankhraw K Wahlang
Midfielders: Hamedamanbha Wahlang, Riborlang L Lyngkhoi, Babysunday Marngar, Dibormi Kassar, Mebanshngain Kurkalang, Fairming Suting, Robertson M Khongriah, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Kynsaibor Lhuid
Forwards: Shano Tariang, Deibormame Tongper, Dawanchwa C Challam
Support staff: Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh (Head Coach), Sailon Syngkrem (Assistant Coach), Dious Lapasam (Goalkeeping Coach), Cliff R Nongrum (Manager), Wanbokstar Syiemiong (Physio)
