Shillong, January 29, 2026: Meghalaya suffered their first defeat of the final round of the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26, going down 3–0 to Group B leaders Kerala at Silapathar, Assam, on Wednesday.

Goals from Arjun V (36’), Muhammed Riyas PT (71’) and Muhammad Ajsal (85’) sealed a comprehensive victory for Kerala, who are last season’s runners-up and have already confirmed top spot in the group.

The loss leaves Meghalaya on five points from four matches, still placed third in Group B, but with qualification now hinging on their final group encounter against second-placed Railways on January 31.

Meghalaya head coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Marbiangki Suchiang and Fairming Suting, while Mebanaibok Kharbudnah, Dibormi Kassar and Dawanchwa C Challam missed out, the latter due to a red card picked up in the previous match.

Meghalaya had entered the contest on the back of a draw against Services, following an earlier draw with Punjab on January 24 and a win over Odisha in their opening match on January 22.

Kerala took the lead in the 36th minute when Arjun’s free-kick from distance deceived everyone and went straight into the net. The lead was doubled in the second half as Riyas volleyed home a cross, before Ajsal finished from close range late in the game to put the result beyond doubt.

With the top four teams advancing to the quarterfinals, Meghalaya remain firmly in contention but must also keep an eye on results elsewhere. Punjab face bottom-placed Odisha, while Services take on Kerala, who may opt to rest key players having already secured first place.

Meghalaya’s decisive clash against Railways on Friday is now a must-result fixture in their bid to reach the knockout stage.