Meghalaya Triumphs Over Goa 1-0 to Advance to Santosh Trophy Quarter-Finals
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Hyderabad, Dec 22 (NationPress) Meghalaya has clinched a place in the quarter-finals of the 78th Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 by defeating Goa 1-0, while Tamil Nadu and Odisha ended their match in a 1-1 stalemate at the Deccan Arena on Sunday.
This victory elevates the northeastern team to seven points from four matches in Group B, ensuring they remain ahead of fifth-placed Goa, who has accumulated three points from three games. Currently, Meghalaya sits second in the group, trailing only Kerala.
The match against Goa was intensely contested, with Meghalaya breaking the deadlock late with a penalty kick. The first half concluded without any goals.
Despite both teams missing several scoring opportunities, it was Damanbhalang Chyne (89’) who ultimately made an impact by converting a penalty, propelling Meghalaya into the quarter-finals.
Goa entered the match seeking crucial points after experiencing two defeats and only a single victory. Following a strong first half, the western coastal team fortified their defense with five defenders. However, Meghalaya maintained relentless pressure.
Khraw Kupar Jana was dynamic on the right flank and had a chance from a tight angle, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. Donald Diengdoh also came close with two attempts; one struck the post while the other went wide.
As the match neared its conclusion, Meghalaya grew increasingly anxious, but their fortunes changed when substitute Deibormane Tongper was fouled in the Goa penalty area; the referee promptly awarded a penalty, which Chyne converted to secure all three points for Meghalaya.
Tamil Nadu's pursuit of their first victory in the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Odisha. The first half concluded in a goalless deadlock.
Alexander Romario Jesuraj (68’) gave Tamil Nadu a glimmer of hope by scoring from a penalty to put his team in the lead.
However, their advantage lasted only seven minutes as Rahul Mukhi (75’) capitalized on an aerial pass, slipping the ball past the keeper to equalize for Odisha. Odisha now holds fourth place in Group B with four points from four matches, while Tamil Nadu remains at the bottom with only two points from the same number of games.
