Shillong, September 20, 2026: Meghalaya secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Punjab in Group C of the Dr Talimeren Ao National Football Championship for Junior Girls (Tier 2) 2026-27 in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday.

Trailing from the 10th minute, Meghalaya fought back to equalise through Ripaia Phawa in the 61st minute before Peacefully Pohplet scored a stoppage-time winner to seal the victory.

Punjab took the lead when Japleen Kaur’s free-kick in the 10th minute deceived Meghalaya goalkeeper Dawansaphi Snaitang and found the back of the net.

Meghalaya continued to press for an equaliser and eventually levelled the score in the 61st minute. Peacefully’s curling free-kick was initially blocked by the Punjab goalkeeper, but Ripaia reacted quickly during the ensuing scramble and fired the rebound into the net.

With the match heading towards a 1-1 draw, Meghalaya secured all three points in the third minute of stoppage time. Peacefully struck a direct free-kick from distance, and although Punjab goalkeeper Suhana got a hand to the ball, she could not prevent it from crossing the line.

The victory gives Meghalaya six points from two matches and confirms their position at the top of Group C. Meghalaya had earlier defeated Jammu and Kashmir 8-0 in their opening match.

With Nagaland withdrawing from the competition, Group C now comprises three teams. Meghalaya’s win also ensured that they qualified directly for the semifinals without having to wait for Punjab’s match against Jammu and Kashmir on September 22.

Meghalaya will face the winner of Group A in the semifinal on September 25.

Meghalaya Team

Dawansaphi Snaitang (GK), Ripaia Phawa, Paleimon L Lyngkhoi, Daficare Lyngkhoi, Nishalin Nongrum, Venecle Kharmusulman (substituted by Bansara Rynshiang at half-time), Bandabetshisha Nongrum (substituted by Saphidabet Kharmalki, 67’), Peacefully Pohplet, Vanessa P Mawthoh, Deiphiwansara Lyngkhoi and Jenisha Rani.