The much-anticipated Nagaland Super League (NSL) final is set to take place on Tuesday (April 1) at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, where Barak Football Club and Longterok Football Club will clash for the coveted title.
Beyond the Nagaland Super League trophy, the victor will etch its name in history as the first club from Nagaland to compete in the prestigious I-League, marking a historic milestone for football in the state.
Barak FC: The League Leaders
Barak FC entered the final as the league winners, having amassed 29 points with an impressive record of nine wins, two draws, and just one loss. Their attacking prowess has been on full display throughout the season, netting a total of 27 goals throughout the league.
Leading the charge is their star forward Toka Achumi, who has found the back of the net 12 times, including two hat-tricks, and secured four Man of the Match awards. The highlight of their campaign was a commanding 5-1 victory over 27 United FC.
Their journey to the final was however not without challenges. After finishing as league champions, Barak FC had to edge past Nagaland United Sports Club in a tense playoff match, when the match was decided through penalties, after both teams scored a goal each during the regulation time.
Defensively, Barak FC has also kept five clean sheets, showcasing their ability to defend strong opposition. However, one major hurdle remains, Longterok FC, a team they have yet to defeat this season. Determined to overcome this final obstacle, both players and coaching staff have expressed confidence in their readiness for the showdown.
Barak FC supporters are known to make their presence whenever they come to watch their team play. Despite the outcome of the match, their supporters passionately chant “Barak FC Ring Tielo”, meaning “Long Live Barak FC”, echoing their unwavering support.
Longterok FC: The Dark Horse
Longterok Football Club may not have dominated the league standings like their opponent, but their resilience and determination have carried them to the final, earning them the title, “The Dark Horse”.
Finishing third in the league matches with 20 points coming off of five wins, five draws, and two losses, Longterok FC have demonstrated a balanced approach throughout the campaign, whilst scoring a total of 20 goals and conceding 13, throughout the season.
Their standout player, Manton Konyak, has been instrumental in their journey, scoring seven goals and being named man of the Match one time in the season.
Under the leadership of a coach who believes in playing football to “express and not impress” Longterok FC has relied on teamwork and tactical discipline to reach this stage.
Despite being the underdogs, they hold a psychological advantage, having already managed to avoid defeat against Barak FC in the league.
The supporters of Longterok Football Club cannot go unnoticed with their thunderous “Viking’s Clap”, igniting the atmosphere after every goal and at the final whistle, irrespective of the match outcome.
Head-to-Head Encounters
In their previous league meetings, the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the first match, while Longterok Football Club secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the second—the only defeat Barak Football Club suffered this season.
As the two teams step onto the pitch for the final, the stakes are immense, extending beyond the Nagaland Super League trophy.