Meghalaya scored a goal in each half to get the better of Services 2-0 in the final round of the Group A league match of the Santosh Trophy in Goa on Saturday.
Meghalaya’s goals were scored by Dibinroy Nongspung in the eighth minute and Bisharalng Kharumnuid in the 76th. With Goa splitting points against Chandigarh, West Bengal, who have seven points, are through to the semi-finals from Group A.
The second place from Group A will be decided between Goa, Services and Meghalaya after they play their last round of games. Meghalaya, who opened their account with today’s win, have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, having garnered three points from as many matches.
Defending champions Services, who needed a win to stay in contention for a berth in the semi-finals, showed great intent at the start, but it was Meghalaya who took the lead against the run of play.
Services came back strongly but couldn’t make their possession count. Francis Zoutlunga’s effort from inside the box hit the post. Eight minutes latter. Arjun Tudu also narrowly missed the target.
Meghalaya’s second goal also came from a quick-fire counter-attack as Services paid for missing promising opportunities to score.
Brief score:
- Meghalaya 2 (Dibinroy Nongspung, Bisharalng Kharumnuid) beat Services 0