Shillong, September 3: Meghalaya produced another impressive performance at the Junior Boys National Football Championship 2026-27 (Tier 1) for the Dr BC Roy Trophy, defeating Maharashtra 3-0 in their second Group C match in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Adriel B Nongbet scored twice in the 18th and 47th minutes, while Habankhlur Lyngdoh Mawnai added the third in the 52nd minute as Meghalaya secured a comprehensive victory.
Coach Playerson Jitem Syiemlieh retained the same starting XI that began Meghalaya’s 2-1 victory over Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.
Adriel Opens the Scoring
Meghalaya took the lead in the 18th minute in an unusual fashion.
A clearance from the Meghalaya half bounced deep into Maharashtra territory, with Adriel chasing the ball while being closely marked by Maharashtra defender Krishna Acharya.
Acharya failed to prevent Adriel from getting around him and reaching the ball. The Meghalaya forward then hooked it into the net with barely a glance at goal to put his side ahead.
Two Quick Goals After the Break
Meghalaya doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half.
Habankhlur sent a cross from the left that travelled deep towards the far side. Maharashtra goalkeeper Garv Singh attempted to punch it away, but the ball fell straight to Adriel, who made no mistake with a simple header for his third goal of the tournament.
Five minutes later, Habankhlur got on the scoresheet himself.
Aibannangkhraw Kharumnuid received the ball outside the Maharashtra box and cleverly shaped as though he was going to attempt a long-range effort. Instead, he slipped a pass to an unmarked Habankhlur on the left.
Habankhlur calmly guided the ball beyond Garv Singh to make it 3-0.
Meghalaya comfortably protected their advantage thereafter to claim three valuable points.
Must-Win Match Against Mizoram
Meghalaya’s final Group C match will be against Mizoram on Saturday at 8:15am.
The result leaves both teams on six points, but Mizoram currently occupy top spot on goal difference after defeating Tamil Nadu 7-0 earlier on Thursday.
Mizoram have a +9 goal difference, compared with Meghalaya’s +4.
With only the group winner advancing to the semifinals, Meghalaya must beat Mizoram on Saturday to qualify for the knockout stage.
Meghalaya Squad
Alvin Kharbani (GK), Shanborlang Khongjee (Damang Kynsai Marbaniang 87′), Franky Kharkrang, Samuel Malieh (Habankara Blah 87′), Wallambok Thongni, Pyrkhatlang Marbaniang, Andrew Kharsati (Mangpaka Nongkynrih 82′), Aibannangkhraw Kharumnuid, Adriel B Nongbet (Seibok Lyngdoh 73′), Aiborlang Mulieh (Skhemlang Marthong 73′), Habankhlur Lyngdoh Mawnai.
