Shillong, September 5: Meghalaya’s campaign in the Junior Boys National Football Championship 2026-27 (Tier 1) for the Dr BC Roy Trophy came to an end after they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Mizoram in their final Group C match in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Both sides entered the match with six points from their opening two games, but Mizoram held the advantage on goal difference, +9 to Meghalaya’s +4. As only the group winners advanced to the semifinals, Meghalaya needed a victory to progress.
Meghalaya had opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Tamil Nadu before defeating Maharashtra 3-0, while Mizoram had registered emphatic 7-0 and 2-0 victories over the same opponents.
Coach Playerson Jitem Syiemlieh retained the same starting XI from the previous two matches as Meghalaya went in search of the win.
Despite Meghalaya’s attacking intent, Mizoram broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. C Lalhmingropuia unleashed a powerful long-range effort that skidded across the surface and slipped through goalkeeper Alvin Kharbani’s hands.
Meghalaya continued to push for an equaliser, and Syiemlieh made two changes at half-time, bringing on Mangpaka Nongkynrih and Skhemlang Marthong for Aiborlang Mulieh and Pyrkhatlang Marbaniang.
Mizoram doubled their advantage in the 56th minute, with Lalhmingropuia again finding the net. His effort from the left appeared intended as a cross but carried enough depth to curl over Kharbani and directly into the goal.
Malsawmtluanga completed the scoring in the first minute of added time, converting from inside the box following a corner.
The defeat means Meghalaya finish their campaign at the group stage, the same stage at which they exited last season. However, their two wins from three matches represent an improvement on their 2025-26 campaign, when they suffered three consecutive defeats.
The team will now look to build on the progress made this year and mount a stronger challenge in next season’s championship.
Meghalaya squad: Alvin Kharbani (GK), Shanborlang Khongjee, Franky Kharkrang, Samuel Malieh, Wallambok Thongni, Pyrkhatlang Marbaniang (sub Skhemlang Marthong, HT), Andrew Kharsati (sub Sannaky Nongsiej, 69′), Aibannangkhraw Kharumnuid (sub Mallenga N Sangma, 87′), Adriel B Nongbet (sub Kishan Wahlang, 69′), Aiborlang Mulieh (sub Mangpaka Nongkynrih, HT), Habankhlur Lyngdoh Mawnai.
