Match 36 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL), which was postponed on Wednesday due to unfavorable weather conditions, was played on Thursday at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, featuring table-toppers Barak Football Club (BFC) and playoff contenders 27 United Football Club.
Both teams were battling to secure the crucial position in the league standings. Barak FC, who is currently unbeaten in the entire league battled to remain in the top of the league, while 27 United FC, currently in the 4th position in the table, fought to secure their place in the 4th position to secure their place in the playoffs, amidst nearing the end of the league matches.
27 United started strong in the first half, pressing high and creating multiple chances. Their best early opportunity came when striker Jangjagin Kuki (Jersey 10) dribbled past several into the penalty box but was stopped by a Barak FC defender. He appealed for a penalty, but referee Mechielivilie Yashu waved play on.
Barak FC also had several chances to break the deadlock but failed to capitalize. In the 21st minute, 27 United thought they had taken the lead when they found the net, but the linesman ruled it offside, disallowing the goal.
This decision was the turning point of the game as Barak took advantage and change the momentum. Up until this moment, 27 United had better scoring opportunities and slightly more advantage of the ball position.
Minutes after the disallowed goal, the 27 United goalkeeper, Widambo Renta, made a crucial save to deny BFC’s attack. In the 32nd minute, BFC finally found the breakthrough when a well directed cross found Toka (Jersey 10), whose header was initially saved by the keeper, but the rebound fell to Kenumdi (Jersey 23), who tapped it in to put BFC ahead.
In the dying moments of the first half, 27 United had a golden opportunity to equalize when a corner kick deflected directly to one of their players, but the shot went wide.
Determined to equalize early in the second half, 27 United came out attacking aggressively, generating multiple chances. One of their best moments came when Ato Chophi (Jersey 17) attempted a long-range shot, which was however pushed away by the keeper. The rebound was received in a tight position by Thulunso Yimchunger (Jersey 7), who however failed to convert, sending his shot wide.
In the 59th minute, another well-placed cross inside the penalty box led to a goal for BFC. The cross, intended for Toka, was slightly out of his reach, but Lungpetsing Thou (Jersey 15) was perfectly positioned behind him to slot in Barak’s second goal.
Minutes later, a defensive error from 27 United’s goalkeeper nearly resulted in another goal, but he recovered just in time to make the save. However, in the 81st minute, Barak FC’s captain, K Peseyie (Jersey 8), sealed the victory with a powerful header, making it 3-0.
The Man of the Match was later awarded to Mangholen (Jersey 44) of Barak FC.
Longterok FC holds NUSC on 1:1 draw
The Nagaland Super League (NSL) Match 35 between Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) and Longterok Football Club (LFC) which was interrupted after a lightning strike damaged the floodlights tower forcing the game to be halted in the 34th minute, resumed on Thursday morning, with both teams fighting to grab the second position in the league tables.
Before the match was halted, LFC led the score 1:0. Upon resumption of play from the exact minute and score line, LFC dominated the entire game with multiple attempts and shots on target.
However, it was NUSC who had the breakthrough in the game when it’s top scorer, N. Peseyie (Jersey 19), capitalized on a goalkeeping error to level the score. With this goal, he extended his tally to 12, solidifying his position as the league’s highest scorer.
Before the second half, the match saw another brief disruption due to another weather conditions and poor visibility but resumed shortly after.
In the second half, LFC continued to dominate the entire second half. Altogether, LFC registered more than 7 shots on target coming of off 9 attempts, however all of which were not diverted to goals. NUSC’s goal keeper, Suryash Jaiswal along with assistance from the cross bars, were crucial against LFC, denying them to take the lead.
In the other end, NUSC surprisingly in the second half registered only 1 shot on target, coming off of two attempts. All of LFC’s fans were seen standing and encouraging their players to take the lead.
Their final opportunity for LFC arrived at additional time from another free kick just outside the penalty box, but NUSC’s wall of defenders proved too strong to penetrate.
Despite the intense contest, LFC could not register winning goal, while NUSC were happy with a draw and a point.
The Man of the Match award was awarded to Hemping L (Jersey 3) of NUSC, which was however objected by many fans, including NUSC supporters.