Shillong, Jan 22: Meghalaya started the final round of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025-26 with a 1-0 victory against Odisha in Silapathar, Assam, today. Babysunday Marngar scored the only goal of the Group B contest in the 23rd minute.
Meghalaya, led by coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh and with the experienced defender Mebankhraw Wahlang wearing the captain’s armband, made a confident start, forcing Odisha into making several early mistakes.
An opening presented itself in the 13th minute when Deibormame Tongper had a weak shot with his less-favoured right boot blocked by a defender. Babysunday then struck the rebound way over the bar.
However, just 10 minutes later Meghalaya had their next good opportunity and this time there was to be no mistake.
Apborlang Kurbah crossed the ball into the box from the right flank but an Odisha defender got his head to the ball. Fortunately for Meghalaya, the ball went straight to Deibormame. He looked to shoot but this was a deception and, instead, he laid the ball on for Babysunday, who made up for his earlier miss.
Odisha tightened up in defence in the second half, while Meghalaya remained resolute throughout. Odisha forced a few free-kicks but never got close to scoring as Meghalaya saw them off without a hiccup.
Meghalaya’s next match will be against Punjab on Saturday at 2pm in Dhakuakhana. Punjab lost their first match 3-1 to Kerala today.
