Meghalaya drew on all their determination and skill to overturn a one goal deficit to defeat West Bengal 3-1 in the boys’ football event of the 7th Khelo India Youth Games in Begusarai, Bihar, today.
Irfan (61′) put Bengal ahead before Mebanlamlynti Masharing (78’P, 87′) swung things around and Iaishanbok Buhphang (90’+10) put the game to rest in the 10th minute of stoppage time. The referee added on several minutes not least because of a physical disturbance between the two sets of players – West Bengal ended the contest with just nine boys on the pitch after having two sent off in the second half.
The Group A result meant that defending champions Meghalaya qualified for the semifinals as one of the two top teams from the group.
Odisha had already secured a spot in the semis before today by beating both WB and Meghalaya. Of the two, Meghalaya had a better goal difference over Bengal (+8 to +4) and thus only needed a draw today.
However, despite plenty of chances in the first half (including a penalty that was denied by the Bengal goalkeeper), Meghalaya were unable to take the lead and it was their opponents who bagged the opening goal with a header in the 61st minute by Irfan.
The clocked continued to tick but a second penalty (this time probably for hand ball) gave Meghalaya the equaliser as the spot kick was converted by in the Mebanlamlynti. He then put Meghalaya in front with a tap-in from a cross. West Bengal were unhappy with the tables being turned but Iaishanbok made sure the game was wrapped up with a beautiful free-kick from a tight angle on the left flank.
The semifinals will take place on Monday.
