How Did Meghalaya Hand Kerala Their First Loss in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's NFC?
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating match on May 3, Meghalaya clinched a spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Kerala 2-1 in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship. Find out how both teams performed and the implications of this match for the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Meghalaya secures a spot in the quarterfinals.
- Kerala faces their first defeat of the tournament.
- Banlamkupar Rynjah and Deibormame Tongper shine for Meghalaya.
- Kerala previously dominated with a major win against Bihar.
- Group A sees intense competition as the tournament progresses.
Narainpur (Chhattisgarh), May 3 (NationPress) Meghalaya has secured their position in the quarterfinals of the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship by overcoming Kerala with a score of 2-1 at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Saturday.
The north-eastern team has clinched the top position in Group A with a match still remaining. Both teams have accumulated six points, but Kerala has played one more match.
Banlamkupar Rynjah opened the scoring for Meghalaya in the 27th minute, executing a side-footed shot past the Kerala goalkeeper after receiving a cutback from the left flank.
Deibormame Tongper extended Meghalaya's advantage in the 68th minute, taking advantage of a goalkeeper's mistake to score from a narrow angle into an unguarded net.
Although Kerala managed to net a goal via a penalty from Mohammed Adhnan during injury time, Meghalaya had already secured the three points and their quarterfinal spot.
Meghalaya's path to qualification was marked by a convincing 4-0 triumph over Rajasthan in their opening match, where Riborlang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi netted the first goal.
The second half was dominated by Deibormame Tongper, who started with a simple tap-in before scoring a powerful shot for his second. A penalty in the 74th minute provided him with a chance to complete a hat-trick.
In contrast, Kerala faced their first defeat after a strong start to the tournament. They had previously crushed Bihar 8-1 in their opener, with Muhammed Shadi and Sreehari Unnikrishnan both scoring twice, followed by a 3-0 victory against Rajasthan, highlighted by Adhnan's brace and a late goal from Alfas K E.
Earlier, Karnataka initiated their Group B campaign in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship 2025 with a 2-0 win over Gujarat, while Tamil Nadu triumphed over hosts Chhattisgarh with a 4-0 victory in the day's second match, taking the lead in the group.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the remarkable journey of Meghalaya in this championship, showcasing their skill and determination. Their victory over Kerala not only highlights their strength but also sets a precedent for future matches. This tournament continues to capture the attention of football enthusiasts across the nation.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match between Meghalaya and Kerala?
Meghalaya defeated Kerala with a score of 2-1 in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's NFC.
Who scored the goals for Meghalaya?
Banlamkupar Rynjah and Deibormame Tongper were the goal scorers for Meghalaya.
What does this victory mean for Meghalaya?
This victory secured Meghalaya's place in the quarterfinals of the championship.
How did Kerala perform in their previous matches?
Kerala won their opening match against Bihar 8-1 and had previously beaten Rajasthan 3-0.
When and where did the match take place?
The match took place on May 3 at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
