Shillong: Meghalaya reignited their quarterfinal hopes at the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 with a commanding 2-0 win against Delhi in Hyderabad on Thursday.
The victory, fueled by Donlad Diengdoh’s back-to-back goals in the second half, marked a crucial comeback for the team after a 2-2 draw with Tamil Nadu and a narrow 1-0 loss to Kerala in their previous matches. For Delhi, who entered the game with two consecutive wins, the defeat was a setback as it ended their streak of clean sheets and goals scored.
Coach Hering Shangpliang’s decision to bring in Kevin Rymbai for the injured Fullmoon Mukhim proved instrumental in Meghalaya’s strategy. Vice-captain Damanbhalang Chyne, stepping in as skipper, led a determined team that held off Delhi’s aggressive start in a goalless first half.
The game took a dramatic turn in the second half, with Meghalaya seizing control in the 49th minute. Damanbhalang’s powerful long-range shot was parried by Delhi goalkeeper Raj Mahato, only for Donlad Diengdoh to capitalize on the rebound and fire it into the net.
Just two minutes later, a perfectly timed through ball sent Donlad racing past Delhi’s defense. With Mahato rushing forward to challenge him, Donlad skillfully maneuvered around the keeper and slotted the ball home, securing a decisive lead for Meghalaya.
Delhi attempted to stage a comeback but found themselves thwarted by Meghalaya’s goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai, who delivered a stellar performance with a series of critical saves. Rymbai’s first clean sheet of the final round ensured Meghalaya’s defense held firm, denying Delhi any chance to recover.
The win propelled Meghalaya to third place in Group B with four points, trailing leaders Kerala with nine points and Delhi with six. Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Goa follow in the standings. With the top four teams advancing to the quarterfinals, Meghalaya’s upcoming match against Goa on Sunday is set to be a pivotal clash as the team looks to solidify their position and continue their journey in the championship.
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