Sechu Zubza FC held table-topper Barak FC (BFC) 0-0 draw in Match 28 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL), at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Wednesday. Barak FC have not lost a single game in the Nagaland Super League (NSL) so far.
Sechu Zubza started the match on an aggressive note, creating multiple chances inside BFC’s penalty box. They had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 10th minute with a one-on-one chance against the goalkeeper but failed to convert.
BFC’s Toka (20) found the net later in the half, but the goal was ruled offside. They had another promising opportunity from a well-placed cross into the opponent’s box but failed to capitalize.
Sechu Zubza almost took the lead when a BFC defender, in an attempt to clear a cross from a free kick, nearly sent the ball into his own net. However, the fully stretched BFC goalkeeper managed to push the ball onto the crossbar, which was later received and cleared by its defender.
Minutes later, another defensive clearance from BFC went dangerously close to their own goal, but the ball went over the bar for a corner. Sechu Zubza continued pressing and came close to scoring from a free header off the corner kick, but the ball brushed the outside of the crossbar and went out for a goal kick.
In additional time, BFC had two solid chances to break the deadlock. Toka’s header from a brilliant cross went wide, and moments later, his strike was saved brilliantly by the Sechu Zubza goalkeeper.
BFC came out stronger in the second half, registering a shot on target in the very first minute. However, Sechu Zubza responded with a wonderful attack, forcing the BFC goalkeeper into a diving save to push the ball out for a corner.
Led by Sangti (5), Sechu Zubza played some excellent football inside BFC’s penalty area but failed to convert their chances. They continued to dominate possession and created several key opportunities but lacked the finishing touch.
In the dying minutes of the game, Sechu Zubza had one final opportunity just outside the penalty box. The shot was on target, but a BFC defender managed to clear it for a corner. BFC, too, received a last-minute chance from a set piece, but Sechu Zubza’s defense held firm.
With both teams failing to find the net, the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Sechu Zubza’s Meno (6) was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.
Nagaland United SC beat Frontier Warriors FC 2-1
Match 30 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) witnessed an intense showdown between Frontier Warriors FC and Nagaland United SC at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Wednesday.
Both teams started on a strong note, creating several goal-scoring opportunities early on.
Frontier Warriors had a golden chance to take the lead in the opening minutes when they launched a well-coordinated attack inside NUSCs penalty box. However, a well-timed tackle from United’s defense denied them a scoring opportunity. The Warriors appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved play on.
The first shot on target came in the 11th minute, with the Warriors attempting a long-range effort, but it was comfortably saved. NUSC responded in the 17th minute, when their striker found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, the Warriors’ keeper produced a stunning save to keep the score level.
NUSC had another promising chance from a well-placed cross and a header, but the ball went over the crossbar. In the 22nd minute, a defensive lapse from the Warriors gave NUSC a free chance to score. Despite the goalkeeper’s initial effort to push the ball away, it fell to a NUSC player with an open net ahead of him, however, his header went wide.
NUSCs continued to push for a breakthrough, and in the 40th minute, S Ayen (7) made an impressive solo run from midfield into the penalty area. His shot, however, lacked the power to beat the Warriors’ goalkeeper.
Frontier Warriors started the second half with intent and were rewarded with an early goal in the 48th minute, courtesy of Muthiu (19). They nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but NUSCs goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny them.
In the 60th minute, the Warriors earned another chance to extend their lead, but their shot was deflected for a corner. Nagaland United found their equalizer in the 68th minute after being awarded a penalty. NSL top scorer N Peseyie (19) stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to level the score at 1-1.
Following the penalty, the Warriors had an opportunity to reclaim the lead from a free kick just outside the penalty box. Goal scorer S Ayen (7) took the shot, aiming for glory, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
In the dying minutes of regulation time, Peseyie attempted a spectacular shot, but the Warriors’ keeper made a crucial save to keep the scores level.
As the match entered injury time, Shilok (9) of NUSC capitalized on a mistake from the Warriors’ goalkeeper, slotting in the winning goal to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory for his team. The Man of the Match award was given to S Ayenmongba (7) of Frontier
27 United clinch crucial win over Red Scars 1-0
In a high-stakes encounter at IG Stadium, 27 United FC secured a vital 1-0 victory over Red Scars in the 29th match of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) on Wednesday. The win strengthens 27 United’s playoff prospects while dealing a setback to Red Scars’ campaign.
Both teams displayed urgency from the kickoff, with Red Scars initiating the first real threat in the third minute as forward Shalo’s header was comfortably saved by 27 United’s goalkeeper. Despite creating opportunities through set-pieces and short passes, Red Scars struggled with coordination, while 27 United showed better ball retention and control.
The match saw moments of heightened tension, notably in the 27th minute when Red Scars’ forward Sovamani’s reckless play resulted in contact with 27 United’s Jangjagin, but he was let off with a warning. Shortly after, 27 United’s Shurhosul saw a goal disallowed for offside, while defender Namsibo Dailiam’s powerful header was denied by a brilliant save from Red Scars’ keeper.
As the game intensified, the referee was forced to intervene. In the 38th minute, 27 United’s Jangjagin received the first yellow card for a reckless challenge, followed by Red Scars’ midfielder Hivika, who was cautioned five minutes later for dangerous play. A free kick attempt from Jangjagin was deflected, leaving the score goalless at halftime.
The second half saw 27 United ramp up their offensive play, registering four shots on target in the opening minutes, but failing to find the net. Red Scars’ Shalo responded with a close-range header, which was blocked just in time by the opposition’s keeper. Errors continued to plague Red Scars, leading to another booking in the 48th minute for Rakevieche after stopping a promising attack.
Both sides made key substitutions in pursuit of a breakthrough, but repeated missed chances left the scoreline unchanged. The deadlock was finally broken in the dying minutes when 27 United’s captain Jangjagin capitalized on a defensive lapse and slotted the ball home, securing a crucial victory for his team.
Despite Red Scars’ desperate attempts to equalize, they fell short, leaving 27 United to celebrate a well-earned three points. For his decisive goal and consistent performance, Jangjagin was named Man of the Match, receiving the award from Nagaland Football Association President K. Neibou Sekhose.
With the NSL playoffs approaching, 27 United’s victory enhances their chances, while Red Scars must regroup quickly to remain in contention.