Meghalaya showcased resilience in their opening Group B match of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25, holding Tamil Nadu to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Deccan Arena.
Tamil Nadu dominated the first half, with Pandiyan Sinivasan opening the scoring in the 28th minute, followed by Alexander Romario Jesuraj doubling the lead in stoppage time (45’+2). However, Meghalaya, under coach Hering Shangpliang, staged an inspiring fightback in the second half.
Damanbhalang Chyne emerged as the hero for Meghalaya, netting two goals in the 50th and 69th minutes to level the match. Tactical substitutions, including the introduction of Khrawkupar Jana and Fairming Suting, revitalized the team’s performance. Despite a late push for the winning goal, both sides settled for a point.
In another Group B match, Kerala edged past last season’s runners-up Goa in a high-scoring 4-3 encounter. The group remains highly competitive, with Meghalaya set to face Kerala on Tuesday in a crucial clash as they aim to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
