Sechu Zubza falls against Nagaland United SC
Match 26 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) saw Sechu Zubza Football Club lose against Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Saturday. Sechu Zubza started on the front foot, dominating possession and creating multiple chances in the opening minutes. However, they struggled to convert their opportunities into goals.
In the 28th minute, Sechu Zubza had a golden opportunity to score, but the NUSC goalkeeper pulled off a brilliant save. Another promising one-on-one chance was thwarted by a well-timed defensive interception inside the penalty box. In the dying moments of the first half, Sechu Zubza’s goalkeeper was forced into a crucial save after an unexpected long-range attempt from NUSC.
In the additional time before the halftime, N. Peseyie produced a moment of magic. What initially seemed like a cross turned into a stunning long-range goal, beating the keeper and giving NUSC a 1-0 lead at the break.
Taking advantage of the lead, NUSC came out strong in the second half, keeping more possession and testing the Sechu Zubza defense and its keeper with multiple shots on target.
In the 56th minute, Sechu Zubza was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty box, but the attempt went wide. However, they soon found the equalizer through Pynba, who finished off a well-executed build-up play inside the box.
Persistence paid off for NUSC in the 84th minute, as N. Peseyie netted his second goal of the match, securing a 2-1 lead. In the final moments of stoppage time, Sechu Zubza earned a free kick and a last chance to equalize. However, their effort was comfortably collected by the NUSC goalkeeper, sealing the victory. N. Peseyie was named Man of the Match.
27 United and Longterok settle for 1-1 draw
Football fans were treated to a thrilling showdown as home team 27 United and Longterok Football Club battled to a 1-1 draw in the 25th match of the Nagaland Super League, played at IG Stadium here on Saturday.
The match, played with high intensity and moments of brilliance, kept spectators on the edge of their seats despite both teams struggling with their finishing.
The game began with both sides displaying solid defense and balanced attacks, though neither managed to create any real threat in the opening minutes.
As the first half progressed, Longterok gradually gained control of possession, relying on short, precise passes. Their forward, Manton, led several attacks from the left flank, but his attempts failed to find the target. The home team’s defense, marshalled by Namsibo and Woreithem, stood strong, deflecting danger on multiple occasions.
Longterok finally broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when forward Namang unleashed a stunning strike from 35 yards out leaving 27 United’s keeper dumbfounded as the ball dropped over his long-stretched arm, giving his team a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
The second half resumed with 27 United trailing and determined to find an equalizer. Their first corner kick, taken by Jangjagin, went wide and a powerful free kick from Longterok’s midfielder was deflected by the home team’s keeper.
The breakthrough for 27 United came in the 53rd minute when substitute midfielder Lohrü Kaisü capitalized on a corner kick, sending a perfectly placed shot from 35 yards into the net and leveling the score at 1-1. The atmosphere heated up as both teams intensified their attacks, creating a flurry of chances.
Longterok nearly reclaimed the lead with a daring attempt that beat the keeper, but Namsibo’s last-ditch clearance just inches from the goal line kept the score even. In the dying moments, Longterok’s substitute midfielder Apeto missed a golden opportunity from the penalty spot, sending their fans into collective disappointment. Despite their efforts, neither team managed to break the deadlock, and the match ended with a well-fought 1-1 draw.
Namang Yimjong of Longterok FC was named the Man of the Match. The award was presented by Neivikuolie Nicholas Khatsu, Assistant Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA).
Red Scars edge out Frontier Warriors
Under the floodlights of IG Stadium, an electrifying showdown unfolded as Red Scars FC narrowly defeated Frontier Warriors Football Club (FWFC) 2-1 in the 27th match of the ongoing NSL. With both teams struggling at the lower end of the points table, the match was a crucial opportunity for redemption — and neither side held back.
The game began with high intensity as Red Scars’ forward Yhunshalo took the first corner kick, though it failed to find its mark. FWFC responded swiftly, and in the early minutes, forward Ayenmongba’s powerful strike found the back of the net, only for the referee to disallow the goal due to a technical fault.
The match took a dramatic pause in the 26th minute when a collision between Red Scars’ captain and an FWFC attacker left both players briefly shaken. Fortunately, neither sustained serious injuries, and play resumed shortly after.
Both goalkeepers showcased remarkable skills, making crucial saves and compensating for their teams’ defensive lapses. As the first half neared its end, Red Scars capitalized on added time. Midfielder Sentilong seized an opportunity and guided the ball into the net, giving his team a vital 1-0 lead just before the lemon break.
However, excitement reignited when Sentilong’s left-flank drive came dangerously close to an own goal, only for FWFC’s keeper to make a last-minute save.
FWFC’s attacking efforts were repeatedly thwarted, including an invasive attempt called offside by the assistant referee.
Their persistence finally paid off when FWFC forward Dangmei exploited a gap in Red Scars’ defense and slotted home the equalizer, leveling the score at 1-1. With the match hanging in the balance, both teams reinforced their lineups — Red Scars introducing a new midfielder and two forwards, and FWFC shoring up their defense.
With the match nearing its end, FWFC seemed to take control, launching coordinated attacks from all angles. Yet fate had a different plan — in the 90th minute, FWFC’s defender Saikhom Goutam Singh inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting Red Scars a 2-1 lead.
The final moments were a frenzy of desperation for FWFC as they won two consecutive corner kicks, but they failed to capitalize on either. As the referee blew the final whistle, Red Scars emerged victorious, securing three vital points in a hard-fought encounter.
Despite the fierce competition, the match remained sportsmanlike, with no yellow cards issued throughout the game. Man of the match was awarded to Red Scars’ captain Kekhrieletuo Tsira for his role in the overall match. The award was handed over by Benei M Lamthiu, MLA and convenor, Governing Body, NSL.