Shillong, December 18: Meghalaya will begin their campaign in the Group E preliminary round of the Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26 against Sikkim at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on Friday. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 pm.
With only one team from the three-team group—also comprising Arunachal Pradesh—advancing to next month’s final round in Assam, every fixture will be crucial. As hosts, Meghalaya will be keen to make a positive start in front of home supporters. Tickets will be available for purchase at the venue ahead of the match.
Head coach Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh has faced a challenging selection process due to the depth of talent available. Under his guidance, Meghalaya reached the Santosh Trophy final in the 2022–23 season, their best-ever performance in the tournament, where they finished runners-up to Karnataka. While the current squad aspires to surpass that achievement, the immediate focus remains on navigating the preliminary stage, starting with the clash against Sikkim.
Both teams feature squads that differ significantly from previous editions of the Santosh Trophy. Meghalaya and Sikkim have met several times across men’s and women’s competitions at various age levels. Their most recent Santosh Trophy encounter came during Meghalaya’s 2022–23 campaign, when the teams played out a goalless draw in the group stage.
Sikkim will be led by head coach Gyaltshen D Moktan, an AFC B Licence holder. His squad includes Sanjay Rai, formerly associated with ATK (now Mohun Bagan Super Giant) at the youth level, and Narayan Chettri, who previously represented the Kerala Blasters reserve side. The team is largely composed of players from Sikkim’s A and B Divisions, along with footballers currently playing in other states.
Earlier on Thursday, the Meghalaya squad received words of encouragement from Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) President Hamletson Dohling, General Secretary Sunesh Syiem and Executive Member Freddy Kharpran. Dohling expressed confidence in the selected players and highlighted the importance of the Santosh Trophy as part of Meghalaya’s long-term planning, particularly in shaping strategy and selections for the 2027 National Games, which will be hosted by the state.
Meghalaya Squad
Goalkeepers:
Wanteilang Malngiang, Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew, Nister Roy Suting
Defenders:
Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Apborlang Kurbah, Wilbert D Marbaniang, Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi, Allen Camper L Nongbri, Arlangky Nongsiej, Mebankhraw K Wahlang
Midfielders:
Hamedamanbha Wahlang, Riborlang L Lyngkhoi, Babysunday Marngar, Dibormi Kassar, Mebanshngain Kurkalang, Fairming Suting, Robertson M Khongriah, Hardy Cliff Nongbri, Kynsaibor Lhuid
Forwards:
Shano Tariang, Deibormame Tongper, Dawanchwa C Challam
Support Staff:
Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh (Head Coach), Sailon Syngkrem (Assistant Coach), Dious Lapasam (Goalkeeping Coach), Cliff R Nongrum (Manager), Wanbokstar Syiemiong (Physiotherapist)
