In a thrilling playoff 3 showdown, Longterok FC secured a dramatic victory over Nagaland United SC (NUSC) to book their place in the final of the Nagaland Super League.
The match, played at fully packed Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Saturday, remained deadlocked until the dying moments of extra additional time when K. Assumi’s last-minute goal sealed the win for Longterok FC. With this victory, Longterok FC will now face Barak FC in the final, to vie for the coveted Nagaland Super League trophy.
The game kicked off with NUSC pressing high and testing Longterok’s defense early on, however struggling to break through the defensive line. In response, Longterok FC attempted their first shot on goal, but went wide.
As the game progressed, Longterok FC created a strong scoring opportunity from the left flank, but a misdirected cross was easily collected by the NUSC goalkeeper. Meanwhile, NUSC intercepted the ball in the midfield and launched a counterattack, but their shot went wide.
The first major opportunity of the game came in the 13th minute when Longterok FC won a free kick from a promising position. Cornelius (8) stepped up but saw his shot deflected for a corner, which was later safely collected by the NUSC keeper.
Moments later, Manton (11) of Longterok FC narrowly missed from a tight angle from a long range. In the 27th minute, Longterok FC earned another free kick from a similar position. This time, R. Poireng (7) took the shot, but it was once again defended away for a corner.
Just before the halftime, Longterok FC had another golden opportunity from a set piece outside the penalty box, but the shot sailed inches over the crossbar, keeping the score 0-0 at the break.
The second half began with Longterok FC pushing harder for a breakthrough. In the 50th minute, NUSC nearly capitalized on a goalkeeping error when Longterok’s keeper misjudged a clearance, allowing an NUSC forward a shot on goal, but the ball rolled just wide.
Longterok FC had another close call when a well-placed free kick found Manton’s head inside the box, but the ball clipped the outside of the crossbar and went wide. Several attempts by Longterok’s forward saw hitting the cross bar and denying them the lead opportunity. Meanwhile, NUSCs midfielder Jenish (8) attempted from a long-range effort, but his shot missed the target.
With the game still goalless in the dying moments of regulation time, NUSC had a golden opportunity to capitalize on a keeper’s mistake inside the penalty box, but Longterok’s defender quickly cleared the danger, forcing the game into extra time. Both teams continued to push for a decisive goal in extra time.
In the second half of extra time, defensive errors from Longterok FC gave NUSC two opportunities, but the keeper made crucial saves to deny them.
As the match edged toward a penalty shootout, Longterok FC finally broke the deadlock. In the 108th minute, Sangtea (17) struck a powerful shot from inside the penalty box towards the far-right post past the keeper, but the ball yet again ricocheted off the crossbar.
However, K. Assumi (9) who was at the right place at the right time slotted the rebound into the net, sending the Longterok supporters into celebration.
NUSC then threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, even pushing their goalkeeper up for a final set piece. The attempt, a header from a corner, landed in the side netting.
Man of the Match was later awarded to lone goal scorer K. Assumi of Longterok FC. After the match ended, a medal ceremony was held for the NUSC players and officials.
Earlier, a brief formal programme was held before the kick off, where special guest, Minister, Housing & Mechanical Engineering, Bashangmongba Chang, described NSL as a beacon of sporting excellence in the state.
He credited chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for his instrumental role in bringing the NSL to life and appreciated his continued efforts in developing sports in Nagaland.
He also reaffirmed state government’s deep commitment to nurturing sports and providing young athletes with the exposure needed to compete at national and international levels.
“Through NSL, we are fostering a culture where sports are seen as a serious profession,” he stated. Chang further urged continued support for the league to elevate football in Nagaland to greater heights. He also paid tribute to late William Koso, acknowledging his contributions to football in the state.
He later encouraged young athletes and dwelled on the importance of discipline, commitment, and hard work, stating that their perseverance would not only shape their destinies but also contribute to Nagaland’s progress.
Addressing the gathering as the honored guest, Advisor for Tribal Affairs & Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, remarked that the event marked a historic moment for Nagaland, stating “We are witnessing something happening for the first time in the state. The NSL has become the talk of the town, providing countless opportunities for players and engaging many people in football”.
He also expressed gratitude to those behind the event and emphasized that the league was more than just a competition, but embodies the unifying spirit of football. He expressed confidence that, with the right guidance and dedication, Nagaland could become a powerhouse in football at the national and international levels.
He later thanked CM Dr. Rio for his dedication to sports, particularly football, and underscored the power of sports in fostering unity, peace, and inspiration.
Meanwhile, delivering a short speech, Chief Secretary, Jane Alam congratulated the NSL management team, dwelling on the immense dedication and hard work required to organize an event of this magnitude. He also noted that Nagaland was investing significantly in sports infrastructure, with over 50 projects worth approximately Rs. 170 crore currently under implementation.
“All these efforts are for the young people of Nagaland, providing them with the facilities needed to train and realize their potential” he said, expressing hope that the NSL would continue to grow in the coming years.
Also delivering a short speech, Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma, congratulated the NSL team for conceptualizing the league, not just as a sporting event, but as an economic driver for the state. He highlighted how the league was driving the state’s economy in a new direction, while also improving the overall level of football.
Sharma later expressed confidence that the exposure from the NSL would help young Naga players to refine their skills, and also expressed hope that some of the league’s players would eventually join Nagaland Police.