In a match between table-toppers Barak Football Club (BFC) and Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) witnessed a thrilling encounter in Match 22 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) at Chümoukedima Football Stadium where Barak FC beat NUSC 1-0 on Wednesday.
The much-anticipated fixture, which marked the first match of the league’s second round, drew a crowd of around 3,000 spectators. Both teams started aggressively, creating multiple scoring opportunities. In the early minutes, a miscalculated touch by NUSC’s Bapen (Jersey 17) allowed BFC’s leading goal scorer Toka (Jersey 20) to latch onto a through ball, but his effort was well handled by the opposition goalkeeper.
NUSC’s Jenish (Jersey 8) attempted a long-range shot in the 30th minute, but his strike went over the crossbar. Minutes later, NUSC earned a promising free kick just outside the penalty box, but BFC’s keeper punched it to safety.
One of the most exciting moments of the first half came when NUSC’s Bokato skilfully nutmegged a defender inside the BFC box, creating an excellent scoring opportunity, but his shot was off target.
NUSC came out strong in the second half, registering a shot on target within the opening seconds. They continued to dominate the ball possession and had a golden opportunity in the 60th minute, but failed to convert.
Despite NUSC’s persistent attacks, it was BFC who broke the deadlock in the 77th minute through Henhen (Jersey 2), who found the back of the net with a well-taken shot.
Moments later, BFC’s Zerem (Jersey 13) received the first booking of the match for a push from behind.
As the game entered its final moments, NUSC had several chances to equalize, including a crucial free kick in the 88th minute, which found Sebi’s head but was easily saved by the BFC goalkeeper.
In added time, NUSC was awarded another free kick, with all ten outfield players surging forward in search of an equalizer. However, the BFC defense stood firm, clearing the ball to safety and securing the win. BFC’s Benrithung (Jersey 4) was named Man of the Match.
Red Scars beat Sechu Zubza to secure 1st win
Red Scars Football Club (RSFC) secured a hard-fought victory against Sechu Zubza Football Club (SZFC) 2-1 in Match 24 of the NSL at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Wednesday.
Red Scars started the game on the front foot, earning a penalty in the 2nd minute, with Aimol (Jersey 13) stepping up and converting the spot-kick to give his team an early lead.
In the 9th minute, RSFC had a golden opportunity to double their advantage but failed to capitalize.
Sechu Zubza, looking to level the score, came close to equalize in a one-on-one situation with the Red Scars goalkeeper, however, the keeper pulled off a brilliant save to deny the equalizer.
SZFC continued to press, earning a free kick from a dangerous position, but the Red Scars managed to head the ball out for a corner. RSFC, too, had a chance from a similar set-piece, but the ball was safely collected by the opposition goalkeeper.
Sechu Zubza’s Awangbo later tested the RSFC keeper with a powerful long-range shot, forcing a diving save.
Sechu Zubza came out stronger after the break, dominating possession and registering early shots on target, but they were repeatedly denied by the Red Scars goalkeeper.
In a nervy moment for RSFC, a defensive error almost resulted in an own goal. However, they soon had another chance to extend their lead but failed to capitalize.
Tensions flared in the latter stages after a foul on a Red Scars player. While the referee initially refrained from issuing any bookings, Awangbo (Jersey 8) of Sechu Zubza was eventually shown a yellow card for dissent.
Meanwhile, despite continued pressure from Sechu Zubza, Red Scars doubled their lead in the 76th minute through Thanggo (Jersey 21), who finished off a well-placed cross into the penalty area.
The match took another dramatic turn when RSFC mistakenly fielded 12 players following a substitution error. The Sechu Zubza coach protested the mistake but was instead shown a yellow card by the referee.
Sechu Zubza persistence finally paid off in stoppage time when they managed to pull one back, however they were out of time to draw the match. After the final whistle, commotion broke out as Sechu Zubza officials confronted the match referees over controversial decisions. Neitho (Jersey 32), the Red Scars goalkeeper, was named Player of the Match.
Longterok FC edge past Frontier Warriors 3-2
In a dramatic and high-intensity encounter at IG Stadium, Longterok Football Club clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory over home team Frontier Warriors FC in the 23rd match of the ongoing Nagaland Super League.
Despite a spirited comeback by FWFC in the second half, Longterok’s resilience and last-minute heroics sealed the win, with substitute forward Manton K Wangshu emerging as the match’s savior.
The game started with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. FWFC’s Vinato made an early attempt on target, but Longterok’s keeper was quick to block the shot, denying any chance of a rebound.
FWFC continued pressing forward, with a dangerous out-throw that narrowly missed the mark. Longterok faced a brief setback when midfielder Sangtea required medical attention after a rough tackle, but the team was awarded a free kick.
Frustrations grew among the fans as missed chances from both the teams became a common theme in the first half. However, the match’s tempo shifted in the 24th minute when Longterok’s forward K Assumi broke through FWFC’s defense and netted the opening goal with a confident strike, celebrating with an acrobatic backflip.
Just two minutes later, Assumi doubled his tally, giving his team a comfortable lead early on. Longterok continued to dominate. As the first half drew to a close, FWFC’s attempts to bridge the gap were thwarted by Longterok’s strengthened defense. A lineup changes saw midfielder Hanglen replace forward Vinato, but FWFC’s struggles continued.
A cautionary card for FWFC’s defender Bumang added to their woes, and their final corner kick of the half failed to yield any results. Longterok maintained their 2-0 lead at halftime.
The second half began with immediate drama. FWFC was awarded a penalty in the 46th minute, but Ayen’s shot heartbreakingly bounced off the crossbar.
Fortunately for the home side, midfielder Mugha was quick to react, slotting in the rebound and igniting hope for the Warriors. FWFC continued their offensive push, with Ayen equalizing in the 58th minute after a well-placed long pass. With the score level at 2-2, the match grew increasingly tense. FWFC’s near misses, including Vinato’s powerful strike that rattled the crossbar, kept the crowd on edge.
As the match approached its final stages, Longterok’s discipline began to waver, with cautionary cards piling up for midfielder M Jamir, Manton, Cornellius, and even the team’s coach.
Despite their defensive lapses, Longterok managed to fend off FWFC’s relentless attacks, thanks to their goalkeeper’s impressive saves. With six minutes of added time, the intensity reached its peak.
In the dying moments, Longterok’s substitute forward Manton K Wangshu seized a golden opportunity, launching a stunning long-range shot that found the back of the net, securing the team’s third and decisive goal.
As the final whistle blew, Longterok FC celebrated a hard-earned victory, with Manton K Wangshu rightfully receiving the “Man of the Match” award, presented by the Director of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS), Kethosituo Sekhose.