Shillong, Sept 05: Meghalaya were unable to push through to the quarterfinals of the Junior Boys National Football Championship 2026-27 for the Dr BC Roy Trophy after losing their last Group C match to Mizoram 3-0 in Bengaluru today.
Both teams had earned the same number of points (6) before today’s game but Mizoram had the better goal difference (+9 to +4), so Meghalaya had to win as only the group winners would progress to the knockouts.
Meghalaya had beaten Tamil Nadu 2-1 and Maharashtra 3-0 while Mizoram had won 7-0 and 2-0 respectively against those two teams. Coach Playerson Jitem Syiemlieh retained faith in the same starting lineup from the previous two matches as Meghalaya pushed all-out for victory.
Despite their attacking efforts, it would be Meghalaya who conceded in under half an hour, though Mizoram’s first goal required a bit of good fortune. C Lalhmingropuia’s (25′) powerful shot from distance skipped across the ground and burst through the hands of Meghalaya goalkeeper Alvin Kharbani, an uncharacteristic error for the custodian.
Meghalaya were by no means outplayed, though, and Syiemlieh made a couple of half time substitutions to try and bring about an equaliser; Mangpaka Nongkynrih and Skhemlang Marthong were brought on in place of Aiborlang Mulieh and Pyrkhatlang Marbaniang.
Luck continued to go Mizoram’s way, however, as Lalhmingropuia’s (56′) second goal also was somewhat fortuitous in that he looked to be aiming a cross into the box from the left flank but it was deep enough that it curled over Alvin and went into the net directly. Malsawmtluanga (90’+1) then wrapped up proceedings by scoring from inside the box following a corner kick.
Despite exiting at the same stage they did last year, this performance from Meghalaya was an improvement on 2025-26 when they bowed out with three successive defeats and they will look to put up a stronger challenge next season.
Meghalaya squad today: Alvin Kharbani (GK), Shanborlang Khongjee, Franky Kharkrang, Samuel Malieh, Wallambok Thongni, Pyrkhatlang Marbaniang (sub Skhemlang Marthong HT), Andrew Kharsati (sub Sannaky Nongsiej 69′), Aibannangkhraw Kharumnuid (sub Mallenga N Sangma 87′), Adriel B Nongbet (sub Kishan Wahlang 69′), Aiborlang Mulieh (sub Mangpaka Nongkynrih HT), Habankhlur Lyngdoh Mawnai
