Shillong, Sept 3: Meghalaya strengthened their hopes of reaching the semifinals of the Junior Boys National Football Championship 2026-27 (Tier 1) for the Dr BC Roy Trophy with a convincing 3-0 victory over Maharashtra in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Adriel B Nongbet (18′, 47′) scored twice, either side of half-time, while Habankhlur Lyngdoh Mawnai (52′) added the third as Meghalaya followed up their 2-1 opening-match victory over Tamil Nadu with another three points.
Coach Playerson Jitem Syiemlieh kept faith with the same starting XI that defeated Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, and his side again delivered a disciplined performance.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute from an unlikely situation.
A clearance from deep inside the Meghalaya half bounced forward into Maharashtra territory, with Adriel racing after the ball while being closely tracked by Maharashtra defender Krishna Acharya.
Acharya was unable to prevent the Meghalaya forward from getting around him and reaching the ball first. Adriel then hooked his effort into the net, giving Maharashtra goalkeeper Garv Singh little chance.
Meghalaya took their 1-0 advantage into the break before striking twice in the opening minutes of the second half.
Adriel doubled the lead in the 47th minute after Habankhlur’s cross from the left travelled deeper than intended. Maharashtra’s goalkeeper came off his line to punch the ball away, but his attempt only presented Adriel with an opportunity to head the loose ball into the net.
It was Adriel’s third goal of the tournament.
Five minutes later, Habankhlur got his own name on the scoresheet.
Aibannangkhraw Kharumnuid picked up possession outside the penalty area and appeared to be preparing to shoot from distance. Instead, he cleverly disguised his intentions and slipped a pass towards the unmarked Habankhlur on the left.
Habankhlur made no mistake, guiding the ball beyond Garv Singh to make it 3-0.
The result puts Meghalaya in a strong position heading into their final Group C match, but qualification is still far from guaranteed.
Mizoram are also on six points after demolishing Tamil Nadu 7-0 earlier on Thursday. They currently lead the group on goal difference, +9 compared with Meghalaya’s +4.
With only the group winners advancing to the semifinals, Meghalaya must beat Mizoram in their final group match on Saturday to secure top spot and progress to the knockout stage. The decisive encounter will kick off at 8:15am.
Meghalaya squad today:
Alvin Kharbani (GK), Shanborlang Khongjee (sub Damang Kynsai Marbaniang 87′), Franky Kharkrang, Samuel Malieh (sub Habankara Blah 87′), Wallambok Thongni, Pyrkhatlang Marbaniang, Andrew Kharsati (sub Mangpaka Nongkynrih 82′), Aibannangkhraw Kharumnuid, Adriel B Nongbet (sub Seibok Lyngdoh 73′), Aiborlang Mulieh (sub Skhemlang Marthong 73′), Habankhlur Lyngdoh Mawnai.
