Thrilling Comeback: Meghalaya Fights Back for Dramatic 2-2 Draw Against Tamil Nadu in Santosh Trophy Opener

In an enthralling opener for the Senior Men’s National Football Championship Santosh Trophy 2024-25 final round, Meghalaya battled back to secure a 2-2 draw against Tamil Nadu in their inaugural Group B match. Held at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad, the match unfolded with Tamil Nadu establishing an early dominance, thanks to a sharp strike by Pandiyan Sinivasan in the 28th minute. Alexander Romario Jesuraj cemented their lead with a goal in the dying moments of the first half (45’+2), placing Tamil Nadu in a commanding position at the break.

However, Meghalaya refused to be subdued. Under the astute guidance of Coach Hering Shangpliang, they made bold strategic adjustments during halftime. The substitutions of Khrawkupar Jana and Fairming Suting injected renewed energy into the Meghalaya squad. This renewed vigor manifested through Damanbhalang Chyne, who turned the tide with two crucial goals, first at the 50th minute and again at the 69th. His efforts electrified the encounter, leveling the score, and stoking hopes for a potential victory.

Meghalaya intensified their pursuit of a decisive winner, substituting Deibormame Tongper for Donlad Diengdoh to bolster their attack. Despite their spirited attempts, neither Meghalaya nor Tamil Nadu could find the net again, leaving both teams to settle for a shared point.

Elsewhere in Group B, an exhilarating match saw Kerala narrowly triumph over last season’s runners-up Goa with a 4-3 victory. The group standings remain unsettled, as the competition heats up with Delhi slated to face Odisha later in the evening.

With spots in the quarterfinals at stake for the top four teams in each group, Meghalaya still have much to play for. Their next decisive confrontation is set against Kerala, scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30 pm.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-fight-back-to-hold-tamil-nadu-2-2-in-santosh-trophy-opener-1138302-2024-12-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-12-16 08:15:00