Barak Football Club’s (BFC) dream of an invincible season in the Nagaland Super League (NSL) came to an end on Friday as Longterok Football Club (LFC) handed them their first defeat of the campaign with a 1-0 victory in Match 39 of the NSL, at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
Longterok FC made their attacking intentions clear early on by creating multiple goal scoring opportunities. They came close to taking the lead in the 16th minute when a ball played inside Barak FCs box was cleared away by the defense. Just a minute later, Manton (Jersey 11) found himself in a promising position but failed to convert.
Barak FC had their first real chance in the 20th minute when Toka tactically intercepted an attempted clearance inside LFC’s penalty zone but failed to capitalize. The breakthrough finally came for LFC in the 36th minute when K. Arap Konyak found the back of the net from a perfectly placed cross inside the penalty box and slotted home the only goal of the match.
In stoppage time, a miscommunication between LFC’s goalkeeper and defender nearly resulted in an own goal, but the danger was averted.
Longterok FC continued their attacking momentum from the beginning of the second half. In the early minutes, K. Assumi attempted a long range shot after noticing Barak FC’s goalkeeper off his line, but his effort was off target.
Barak FC, determined to maintain their unbeaten record, pressed forward aggressively in search of an equalizer. They had a chance to level the score in the 65th minute from a free kick, but Longterok FC keeper kept his calm and collected the ball comfortably.
After the display of additional six minutes, both teams intensified their play. Barak FC pushed for an equalizer but struggled to break through LFC’s solid defense, while Longterok FC, despite being in the lead, continued pressing for a second goal to seal their victory.
Ultimately, Longterok FC held on to their lead, dealing Barak FC their first loss of the season. The Man of the Match award was given to Namang Yimjong of Longterok FC.
With this win, Longterok FC now has the opportunity to secure the second position in the league, with one match remaining against Sechü Zubza, who are also fighting to secure their fourth position in the league to qualify for the play offs.
Red Scars hold NUSC in goalless draw
Red Scars Football Club, in a crucial battle for a playoff spot and currently in the 6th place, faced off against Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) in the Match 37 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Saturday.
Red Scars started aggressively, testing NUSC’s defense in the opening minutes. A well-placed free kick from its own half nearly led to an early breakthrough for the Red Scars, but the shot was deflected for a corner.
Moments later, Red Scars appealed for a penalty claiming NUSC defender had handled the ball inside the box, but the referee waved play on. In the 20th minute, Red Scars further won a free kick just outside the penalty box. Attempting to execute a practiced routine, they however failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Meanwhile, NUSC’s best chance of the half came in the 31st minute, when G. Chishi found himself unmarked inside the box but his shot went wide of the target.
In the second half, Red Scars nearly took the lead within the opening five, but their shot was deflected out for a corner.
In the 60th minute, N. Peseyie had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in a one on one situation with the keeper. His shot, aimed for the bottom left corner, however went wide.
As the match entered its final moments, S. Salym of NUSC came close with a header from a well delivered cross, but the ball went inches over the crossbar. With Red Scars reduced to 10 men due to an injury, they had one last chance in stoppage time from a free kick, but their shot was directed straight at the goalkeeper, before the referee blew the final whistle. The Man of the Match was later awarded to Red Scars goal keeper, Neitho.
Sechü Zubza & 27 United battle to a stalemate
In a high-stakes encounter at IG Stadium on Saturday, Sechü Zubza Football Club (SZFC) and 27 United FC played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in the 38th match of the league, leaving both teams to share the spoils.
With their league aspirations hanging in the balance, both sides came into the match with all guns blazing, determined to secure a vital victory. SZFC, the home side, dominated the opening exchanges, relentlessly pressing forward and testing the opposition’s defense.
SZFC’s aggressive approach was met with defensive struggles from 27 United, who found it difficult to contain the relentless attacks. A rare moment of respite for the visitors came when a foul by SZFC’s Mangboi earned him a yellow card. The resulting free kick from 35 yards, followed by a corner, failed to yield any result.
However, the match took a concerning turn when 27 United forward Zhotso suffered a broken shoulder and had to be taken to the hospital, adding to the rising injury toll in what had become an increasingly physical contest.
As the first half neared its conclusion, 27 United finally found their rhythm, turning the tide with a series of counterattacks. They nearly capitalized on a corner kick in the dying moments of stoppage time, but SZFC’s defense held strong, ensuring both teams went into the break goalless.
The second half saw both teams intensify their efforts, with 27 United looking far more composed and threatening. Captain Jangjagin stepped up to the spot and coolly slotted home, handing his side a crucial 1-0 lead. SZFC responded immediately, launching a swift counterattack, but their finishing continued to lack precision.
Recognizing the urgency, SZFC bolstered their attack, while 27 United shifted to a more defensive setup, substituting a forward for a defender in an effort to preserve their narrow lead. However, fate had other plans. In a cruel twist for 27 United, the unrelenting pressure from SZFC paid off their forward Pursunep took a shot from the close range, leveling the score at 1-1.
With the match hanging in the balance once again, both teams scrambled for a late winner. The six minutes of added time provided a final opportunity, but despite two promising free kicks, 27 United failed to capitalize, leaving the contest deadlocked.
27 United’s goal keeper, Widambo Renta was awarded with the man of the match for his exceptional role in the team’s overall performance. The award has handed over by NFA joint secretary Chenenlo Woch.