Nalbari, Assam: Meghalaya’s football dream took a significant step forward on Sunday as they secured a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Assam in the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25. This result was enough to propel Meghalaya to the top of Group E, earning them a coveted spot in the final round.
Damanbhalang Chyne emerged as the hero for Meghalaya, scoring the opening goal in the 56th minute. However, Assam fought back and equalized through a penalty in the 88th minute. Despite intense late pressure from the hosts, Meghalaya held on to secure the crucial draw.
Head coach Hering Shangpliang praised his team’s resilience and determination: “The boys showed great character and composure, especially in the final minutes. It’s a fantastic achievement for Meghalaya football.”
Damanbhalang Chyne was recognized for his outstanding performance with the Player of the Match award.
In the final round, Meghalaya will face tough competition in Group B, which includes Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi, and Odisha. Their journey will begin on December 15 against Tamil Nadu in Telangana.
Meghalaya’s qualification for the final round marks a historic moment for the state’s football fraternity, and fans are eagerly anticipating their performance in the upcoming matches.