Lyon, France – 8 June 2025 In an unforgettable showdown at the Groupama OL Academy in Meyzieu, France, the Meghalaya football team delivered a stunning performance, battling back from a 3-0 halftime deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against the well-regarded French side U.S. Davezieux
This dramatic result is being celebrated as one of the most inspiring moments of the ongoing Indo-French Sports Exchange, organized under the banner of the Indo-French Sports Association (IFSA).
A Nervous Start Turns into a Historic Fightback
Still adjusting to the European tempo and intensity, the Meghalaya players entered the match with visible nerves. Despite undergoing elite training sessions at Olympique Lyonnais (OL), this was their first real test in an international setting.
U.S. Davezieux took early advantage, scoring three goals in the first half. But during the break, the Meghalaya camp regrouped — drawing on tactical insights, recent training, and the belief instilled by IFSA’s leadership.
What followed was football at its finest. Meghalaya launched a fearless counterattack in the second half, scoring three consecutive goals to pull level and leave the crowd in awe. Each goal was a symbol of their resilience, discipline, and hunger to prove themselves on a global stage.
Part of a Bigger Vision: Indo-French Sports Diplomacy in Action
This match is more than a result — it’s part of a broader Indo-French collaboration led by IFSA and powered by Olympique Lyonnais. The players are currently immersed in an elite training and development program that includes:
- Tactical and physical coaching by European professionals
- Sports science, injury prevention, and performance analysis
- Coaching education and staff upskilling
- Cultural exchange and leadership-building workshops
“This is not just about football — it’s about creating international pathways, building character, and showing what Indian youth can achieve with the right platform,” – President, Indo-French Sports Association (IFSA).
With OL’s scouting and talent teams closely monitoring progress, such performances can open doors to future trials and opportunities across Europe.
What Lies Ahead
Team Meghalaya continues its training in Lyon with renewed confidence, having proven their potential on a major stage. As the Indo-French football exchange continues, this match serves as a landmark moment — a reminder that when talent meets opportunity, extraordinary things happen.