Agencies
New Delhi
Meghalaya cruised to an easy 4-1 victory over Tamil Nadu in a Group A fixture. The victory for Meghalaya came as a relief as they had lost to Goa 0-2 in their previous match.
Showcasing football acumen, attacking fluidity and defensive solidity for most of the match, it was all one way traffic in the first half as Meghalaya took the lead as early as the 2nd minute when Lalmanbha Kharthang scored a sublime goal to make the scoreline read 1-0.
Five minutes later, Meghalaya doubled their lead when Fairlystar Suting slotted his opportunity comfortably past the Tamil Nadu custodian.
Tamil Nadu counter-attacked and in the 15th minute, R Prabhu scored to make the scoreline read 2-1.
Shortly after, Meghalaya’s custodian made a finger touch save to deny Tamil Nadu the joy of equalizing their deficit. In an attempt to protect their lead, Meghalaya’s midfield dropped deep to safeguard their defence. But the attacking duo of Kharthang and Biam constantly tested Tamil Nadu’s defensive credentials.
In the 41st minute, Sanglangki Biam chipped the ball from a narrow angle to give Meghalaya a two-goal advantage as the half-time scoreline read 3-1.
Changing over, Tamil Nadu had a brilliant opportunity to reduce their deficit, as in the 53rd minute, Prabhu was found clear of the defensive mix in the 18-yard box by a low cross. Instead of hammering home from handshaking distance, Prabhu hoofed the ball wide of the goal.
Eight minutes later, Meghalaya scored again as captain Kitborklang Khyriem’s rasping shot from more than 25 yards ended up in the back of the opposition net.
For the remainder of the time left, Tamil Nadu committed bodies in defence to deal with wave after wave of Meghalaya attacks. At the end of time, the score-line read 4-1 in Meghalaya’s favour.
