Santosh Trophy: Damanbhalang Chyne’s brace rescues Meghalaya against Tamil Nadu

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 15, 2024

Meghalaya staged a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 with Tamil Nadu in their opening match of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 final round at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Damanbhalang Chyne (50′, 69′) netted both goals for Meghalaya in the Group B clash, overturning a two-goal deficit established by Tamil Nadu through strikes from Pandiyan Sinivasan (28′) and Alexander Romario Jesuraj (45’+2).

Starting the second half, Meghalaya coach Hering Shangpliang introduced attacking substitutes Khrawkupar Jana and Fairming Suting, which paid off as Damanbhalang scored the first of his two goals.

After equalizing, Meghalaya pushed for a winner, bringing on Deibormame Tongper for Donlad Diengdoh in a striker swap, but both teams settled for a point.

Earlier in Group B, Kerala edged past 2023-24 runners-up Goa 4-3. Later in the evening, Delhi faces Odisha.

With the top four teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals, today’s draw is a minor setback for Meghalaya, who face Kerala next on Tuesday at 7:30 PM.