Shillong, Jan 21: After days of intense training, Meghalaya will look to get off on the right note as they begin their final round campaign of the 79th Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025-26 against Odisha on Thursday. The match will begin at 2pm at the Silapathar Football Stadium in Assam and will be livestreamed on FIFA+.
Group B is something of a group of death as it is packed with four former champions and one runner-up. Punjab have won the prestigious Santosh Trophy eight times and have been runners-up eight times. Kerala have a seven and nine record in terms of wins and runners-up performances. Services have won it seven times and have been runners-up five times. Railways have won it thrice and have been runners-up six times. Meghalaya were runners-up once, while Odisha are the only team not to have gone all the way to the final.
Meghalaya’s best finish came in 2022-23 when they were edged by Karnataka in the final. The coach then was Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh and the gaffer is back in charge this year too.
His players did not have the easiest progress through the preliminary stage last month, as they lost to Sikkim 2-1 before beating Arunachal Pradesh by the same margin. However, that was just enough to get Meghalaya through based on goals scored. While preparation time before the prelims was limited, Meghalaya have had several weeks to prepare for the final round.
This lengthy training period has allowed Meghalaya to overcome another challenge – namely the unavailability of several players due to club commitments or other reasons. The support staff, with the backing of the rest of the Meghalaya Football Association, has still been able to select a balanced and strong squad but they will have their work cut out against tough opposition in the group.
With four teams from each group progressing to the quarterfinals, the round robin stage, with its different variables, considerations and tactics, will be the first focus of Syiemlieh and his men. The boys will know that they have the full support of the state behind them and will aim to make a positive mark when they take on Odisha on Thursday.
Meghalaya squad:
Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew, Nister Roy Suting, Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Apborlang Kurbah, Wilbert D Marbaniang, Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi, Mebanaibok Kharbudnah, Richie Kharbani, Mebankhraw K Wahlang, Rimankhraw Kharumnuid, Riborlang L Lyngkhoi, Babysunday Marngar, Dibormi Kassar, Mebanshngain Kurkalang, Fairming Suting, Robertson M Khongriah, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Kynsaibor Lhuid, Marbiangki Suchiang, Deibormame Tongper, Dawanchwa C Challam
Support staff:
Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh (Head Coach), Sailon Syngkrem (Assistant Coach), Dious Lapasam (Manager), Wanbokstar Syiemiong (Physio)
Meghalaya group fixtures:
22 January vs Odisha, 2pm, Silapathar
24 January vs Punjab, 2pm, Dhakuakhana
26 January vs Services, 2pm, Silapathar
29 January vs Kerala, 2pm, Silapathar
31 January vs Railways, 9am, Venue yet to be announced
