Meghalaya dominated Andhra Pradesh 8-1 in a Group A match at Rama Krishna Mission Ashrama, propelling them toward a quarter-final spot in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men’s National Football Championship. The rout featured two goals each from Alex Manar, Mebanlamlynti Masharing, and Ryan Gibbs Kharnaior, with further strikes from Phermanbha Lyngdoh and Sholinstar Syngkli sealing the win. This result gives Meghalaya nine points from three games, needing just a draw against Rajasthan on May 17 to top the group.

Meghalaya's Clinical Attack Overwhelms Andhra Pradesh

Alex Manar opened the scoring in the 9th minute and added another before halftime at the 45th. Mebanlamlynti Masharing struck twice early, in the 16th and 28th minutes, exposing Andhra Pradesh's defensive frailties. Andhra Pradesh pulled one back through B Bharath Kumar Reddy in the 25th, but Meghalaya surged ahead post-interval with Ryan Gibbs Kharnaior's rapid double in the 48th and 50th minutes. Phermanbha Lyngdoh extended the lead in the 58th, and Sholinstar Syngkli capped the scoring in the 84th. The 8-1 margin underscores Meghalaya's superiority in finishing and midfield control.

Jharkhand Edges Rajasthan in Tight Group A Clash

In the day's other Group A fixture on the same ground, Jharkhand edged Rajasthan 2-1. Rudra Pratap Singh gave Rajasthan a 6th-minute lead, but Roushan Kumar leveled just before halftime in the 41st. Animesh Champia clinched victory for Jharkhand with a 79th-minute goal. Meghalaya now hold a commanding position, while Jharkhand's win keeps their qualification hopes alive. Rajasthan face an uphill battle ahead of their May 17 meeting with Meghalaya.

High-Scoring Wins Reshape Group C Standings

Group C produced lopsided results as Kerala thrashed Chandigarh 5-1, powered by Sheril Shaji Thomas's hat-trick in the 3rd, 12th, and 29th minutes. Calwin Thomas and Usman TH added late goals in the 71st and 86th, with Sarthak Ghosh's 70th-minute strike as Chandigarh's reply. Uttarakhand demolished Andaman and Nicobar 9-1, with goals from Sanjay Mehra (5th), Yash Mittal (25th), Gourav Singh (36th penalty, 75th), Harshit Mahar (38th, 67th), Deboshish Mazumdar (81st), Abhinav Yadav (87th), and an own goal (90+3rd). P Mohammed Hasir scored Andaman and Nicobar's lone goal in the 26th. Uttarakhand lead Group C with three points from one match, ahead of Kerala on goal difference.

Path to Quarter-Finals Takes Shape

Meghalaya's nine points position them as Group A frontrunners, one result from securing top spot and quarter-final progression. The tournament highlights emerging talent across India's states, fostering youth development in football. These matches at Rama Krishna Mission Ashrama demonstrate the competitive depth and goal-scoring flair defining the U20 championship.