AIFF Media Team
NALBARI, ASSAM: Meghalaya qualified for the final rounds of the 78th National Football Championships for Santosh Trophy from Group E after a 1-1 draw against hosts Assam at the Deshbhakta Maidan, Mukalmua, on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Meghalaya made the grade on the strength of topping the group with seven points. Against Assam, after a goalless first half, Meghalaya took the lead in the 56th minute through Damanbhalng Diengdoh, but Dipu Mirdha of Assam converted a spot kick to restore parity in the 88th minute.
In the other match of the group, Arunachal Pradesh picked up their first win beating Nagaland 4-3. Arunachal, who led 2-1 at half time, scored their goals through Tagru James (2), Tame Agung and Tarh Dolu.
S Ayenmongba, Khuwangbo Kaurinta and Sentiong found the target for Nagaland.
Kerala make the grade in style
KOZHIKODE, KERALA: Kerala routed Pondicherry 7-0 to enter the final rounds from Group H.
The seven-time winners finished the group with an all-win record and nine points. While Sajeesh E and Naseeb Rahman scored two goals each, Gani Ahmmed Nigam, Christy Davis and Shijin T were the other goalscorers.
Railways took the second place in the group after edging past Lakshadweep 1-0. Pavan Vijay scored the all-important goal in the 57th minute.
No stopping Jammu & Kashmir
AMRITSAR, PUNJAB: Jammu and Kashmir expectedly qualified from Group A after an easy 5-0 win over Ladakh.
Prolific goalgetter Aakif Javaid slammed a hat-trick with Hayat Bashir and Dimple Bhagat scoring the other goals.
In the day’s first match, Punjab finally tasted victory with a 7-0 triumph over Himachal Pradesh. Kamaldeep (3), Tanveer Singh, Jaginder Singh, Jang Bahadur Singh and Gaurab were the scorers.
Monday, November 25, 2024 fixture:
Group F (Amritsar): Madhya Pradesh vs Chhattisgarh (11 am)