Host Odisha squandered a 2-1 lead to settle with a 2-2 draw against Meghalaya in their fifth and last Group-V match of the 76th Senior Men National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Capital High School Ground in Bhubaneswar today.

Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah scored the crucial second goal for Meghalaya in the injury time (90+6) to help his team escape defeat. After completion of league matches, Meghalaya emerged Group-V toppers with 11 points and qualified for the Final Round.

On the other hand, Odisha finished second in the group with 10 points. Odisha won three matches, draw one and lost one. With best three second-placed teams from six group set to advance to the Final Round, Odisha has a chance to qualify after completion of all six group engagements.

The first half of the hard-fought match between Odisha and Meghalaya ended 1-1 with both the goals coming in the injury time. Allen Camper Lyngdoh Nongbri (45+1) gave Meghalaya the lead, while Prabin Tigga equalised for Odisha one minute later.

Odisha seemed to be a dominant side early in the second half and their forceful attack resulted in Chandra Muduli scoring the second goal in the 59th minute. But the late goal by Mylliempdah enabled Meghalaya draw the match.

In two other Group-V matches of the day, Sikkim got the better of Telangana 3-0 at OSAP 7th Battalion Ground, while Andaman & Nicobar held Pondicherry to a 1-1 draw at Capital High School Ground.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO: Action from the exciting Santosh Trophy match between Odisha and Meghalaya in Bhubaneswar on 1 January 2023.