Shillong, Nov 26:Â Meghalaya confirmed their place in the semifinals of the Sub-Junior National Football Championship final round after hammering Punjab 6-0 in Group A in Kalyani, West Bengal, today.
It was yet another impressive performance from Meghalaya, with the added bonus of it being their first clean sheet in three games.
Jony Bakordor Nongkhlaw put Meghalaya in front in the 11th minute by scoring off a Samchaphrang Lato corner and five minutes later Daminot Wahlang chipped the ball over the opposition goalkeeper after a Punjab defender headed a free-kick straight to the Meghalaya No. 19.
Colinsalmon Lyngdoh was fouled in the box in the 28th minute and Samlang Rympei converted the spot kick a minute later.
Roughly 10 minutes later Nongkhlaw’s shot was blocked in the box, but the ball fell to Baniatyllilang Mawkhiew, who shot the ball into the net to make it 4-0.
The second half was relatively quiet, with only another two goals coming Meghalaya’s way. Punjab also had a fair number of opportunities, but they were denied by the woodwork twice and by good defending and the efforts of goalkeeper Berith Nongbri.
Meghalaya got their fifth goal after another foul in the Punjab box and Lato converted this one in the 56th minute.
A 60th minute Meghalaya corner was then rebuffed, but Punjab could not clear the ball and Wanboklang Wahlang headed in a cross to make it 6-0.
Meghalaya have one more group game to go, against Odisha on Thursday, but have already assured themselves a place in the semifinal round with this victory.
