Shillong, January 22: Meghalaya made a winning start to their Santosh Trophy 2025–26 campaign with a 1–0 victory over Odisha in a Group B match played at Silapathar, Assam, on Wednesday.

Babysunday Marngar scored the decisive goal in the 23rd minute to secure all three points for Meghalaya. The team, coached by Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh and led by experienced defender Mebankhraw Wahlang, began the match confidently and capitalised on early defensive lapses by Odisha.

Meghalaya created their first clear chance in the 13th minute when Deibormame Tongper’s right-footed effort was blocked, with Babysunday sending the rebound over the bar. The breakthrough came 10 minutes later after Apborlang Kurbah’s cross was partially cleared, allowing Deibormame to cleverly set up Babysunday, who finished clinically.

Odisha tightened their defence in the second half and earned a few set-piece opportunities, but Meghalaya remained solid at the back and comfortably protected their lead.

Meghalaya will face Punjab in their next Group B fixture on Saturday at 2 pm in Dhakuakhana. Punjab suffered a 3–1 defeat to Kerala in their opening match.