Frontier Warriors & Scars FC 2-2
Match 6 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) witnessed an intense showdown between Frontier Warriors and Red Scars FC (Red Hawks) at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, ending in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The match drew a crowd of approximately 1,000 spectators, who witnessed a thrilling encounter between the two sides. In the first half, the Warriors started strong, dominating possession early in the game. However, the Red Hawks quickly found their rhythm and began countering effectively.
The first shot on target came from Sentilong of Red Hawks, testing the Warriors’ goalkeeper. The match saw its first booking when Naresh of Warriors received a yellow card for dissent against the referee’s decision, and not for the foul he committed.
Meanwhile, Vinato of Warriors created multiple chances, delivering crosses into the opponent’s penalty box, but none of his teammates were able to capitalize. Later, he found himself in a one-on-one situation with the Red Hawks’ goalkeeper, who managed a crucial save to keep the scoreline at 0-0.
The Red Hawks launched a swift counterattack, easily breaking through the Warriors’ defense, but failed to convert.
Before halftime, the Red Hawks bounced back when Achie (jersey no. 10) delivered a stunning cross, allowing Richard (jersey no. 29) to head it into the net, giving Red Hawks the lead.
The Warriors responded immediately, with Mugha (jersey no. 17) netting the equalizer, bringing the score to 1-1. As the half drew to a close, the Warriors executed a brilliant goal-line clearance to deny the Red Hawks another lead.
The second half began with an early chance for S. Ayen of Warriors, but he failed to find the back of the net. Moments later, Sentilong of Red Hawks scored a stunning long-range goal, with the Warriors’ keeper getting a hand to it but failing to prevent it from crossing the line. The Hawks nearly extended their lead, but the post came to the Warriors’ rescue.
Seizing the opportunity, the Warriors launched a quick counterattack, with Vinato (jersey no. 30) scoring from a tight angle, levelling the game at 2-2. Towards the end of the match, the Red Hawks’ coach received a yellow card after interfering with the ball, believing it had gone out of play. The Man of the Match was awarded to Achie f Red Scars FC.
Nagaland United 1-1 Sechü Zubza
Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) and Sechü Zubza Football Club (SZFC) played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the fifth match at IG Stadium on Saturday. Despite an early lead by NUSC through Neisede Peseyie in the first half, SZFC staged a strong comeback in the latter half, equalizing through Kevizolie Kin in the 72nd minute. The game, marked by missed opportunities and tense exchanges, showcased both teams’ strengths and weaknesses.
The match started with high intensity as NUSC immediately pushed forward, testing the SZFC defense with quick attacks. The team earned several corner kicks within the opening 15 minutes but failed to convert them into goals.SZFC had their first real opportunity in the 12th minute when Awangbo took a corner, but a lack of coordination in the box led to a wasted chance.
The game saw a continuous exchange of midfield play, with both teams struggling to break into the opponent’s penalty area convincingly. With an average of one corner kick every five minutes in the first half, NUSC appeared poised to score, constantly testing the SZFC backline.
Their breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Neisede Peseyie capitalized on a defensive lapse, beating the SZFC goalkeeper to slot the ball into the net. SZFC attempted to respond quickly, but NUSC’s goalkeeper made a brilliant save, denying a close-range effort that could have turned the tide.
The first half ended with SZFC struggling to break down NUSC’s defense, while NUSC went into the break with a narrow but deserved 1-0 lead. SZFC came out in the second half with renewed determination, tightening their defense and gradually taking control of possession.
The midfield battle intensified, with both teams increasing physical play and tactical fouls. Ajabu, SZFC’s forward, had a promising attempt from the D-box area, but his shot landed comfortably in the hands of the NUSC keeper. Despite SZFC’s improved attacking play, finishing remained a challenge.
NUSC, which had looked composed in the first half, started losing its grip as the game progressed. SZFC applied constant pressure, leading to defensive miscommunication in the 72nd minute. Capitalizing on this error, Kevizolie Kin, one of SZFC’s U-20 players, seized the moment, pushing the ball past the NUSC’s keeper from just a few meters away, leveling the score at 1-1.
The equalizer visibly boosted SZFC’s morale, and they continued their dominance in possession. However, despite their aggressive attacking stance, they struggled to find a second goal. With the game heading toward full-time, both teams had their chances to clinch a winner.
A yellow card was issued to an SZFC player following a rough tackle, awarding NUSC a free-kick just outside the D-box. However, the opportunity was wasted as the shot failed to trouble the SZFC goalkeeper.
Similarly, SZFC earned a late free-kick in a promising position, but the shot was off target, frustrating their supporters. In the added four minutes of stoppage time, SZFC camped in NUSC’s half, forcing their opponents into defensive mode. NUSC forward Ghuqhe Chishi was named Player of the Match for his attacking presence and relentless efforts throughout the game.
Longterok FC & 27 United FC 2-2
The fourth match of the NSL season ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw as Longterok FC (LFC) and 27 United FC (27UFC) battled to a stalemate at Chümoukedima Football Stadium. LFC came out strong, with Kakhevi Assumi opening the scoring just 10 minutes into the match.
Manton K Wangshu doubled their lead in 26th minute, putting the pressure on 27UFC. However, 27UFC responded in the 36th minute, as Ngansang K Phom pulled one back for his side.
The second half saw both teams battling fiercely, with the atmosphere in the stadium heating up as fans from both sides created a deafening roar. In dramatic fashion, 27UFC equalized in the dying seconds of the match, with Kunuzo Venyo scoring in the 91st minute to secure the draw.
Tensions rose during the second half, with LFC’s Ato Chophi and Hekato Aye both receiving yellow cards. Despite the rough moments, LFC’s Namang Yimjong was named the man of the match.