{"id":475367,"date":"2025-03-13T02:26:25","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T20:56:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.com\/?p=475367"},"modified":"2025-03-28T14:34:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T09:04:21","slug":"lightning-strike-halts-nsl-match-to-resume-today-sechu-wins-in-kma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/2025\/03\/13\/lightning-strike-halts-nsl-match-to-resume-today-sechu-wins-in-kma\/","title":{"rendered":"Lightning strike halts NSL match, to resume today; Sech\u00fc wins in Kma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lighting played spoilsports on Match Day 13 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) at Ch\u00fcmoukedima football stadium where thousands of football fans went to witness a battle between title contenders- Longterok FC and Nagaland United SC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The highly anticipated match was called off due to extreme weather conditions that led to significant infrastructure damage, including the damage to the stadium floodlights by lightning strike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The match between Nagaland United SC (NUSC) and Longterok FC (LFC) was subsequently abandoned. Despite adverse weather forecasts, the match kicked off at its scheduled time, with Longterok FC seizing an early lead, with Sangtea scorning for LFC in the first minute, catching the NUSC defense off guard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heavy downpour and strong winds made playing conditions increasingly challenging, but both teams continued to push forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Nagaland United SC responded with a series of attacking moves, pressing hard for an equalizer. However, multiple attempts failed to convert into goals as shots repeatedly struck the crossbar, including a brilliant goal-line clearance that denied NUFC the equalizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The game grew tense, with heated exchanges between players and officials leading to several bookings. Referee intervention resulted in yellow cards for players from both sides and a red card for a Longterok FC official after a touchline confrontation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the match progressed beyond the 34th minute, weather conditions took a dramatic turn for the worse. Heavy rainfall intensified, followed by a sudden lightning strike that caused significant damage to the stadium\u2019s floodlight system. Three of the four floodlight towers were rendered inoperative, plunging the field into poor visibility conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Match officials, prioritizing player safety, initially suspended the match for 30 minutes to assess the possibility of repairs. Technical engineers attempted to restore the lighting system, but after the stipulated stoppage period, the referee officially declared the match abandoned, citing unplayable conditions and the safety risks posed by the damaged infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>In compliance with All India Football Federation (AIFF) regulations, the NSL Governing Body announced that the match between Nagaland United SC and Longterok FC would resume on March 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the same venue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Per AIFF competition guidelines, the game will recommence from the exact minute and scoreline at which it was halted, ensuring fairness to both teams. The original lineup, including players, substitutes, and disciplinary sanctions imposed before the match\u2019s abandonment, will remain unchanged. This decision was reached following consultations with match officials and the NSL technical committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The weather-induced disruptions not only affected the Nagaland United SC vs. Longterok FC match but also led to the postponement of the second scheduled fixture of the day between Barak FC and 27 United FC. The league authorities confirmed that this match would now take place on March 13, at 12:30 p.m. at Ch\u00fcmoukedima Football Stadium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to NSL governing body member, Lanutoshi Yaden, following the lightning strike, technical engineers and the stadium\u2019s implementing company initiated a full-scale damage assessment. Their findings, expected within 48 hours, will determine the extent of necessary repairs and the timeline for restoring full stadium functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The NSL management assured fans and teams that all necessary safety measures would be implemented before resuming operations. NSL Governing Body expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to fans, stakeholders, and broadcasting partners due to the unforeseen natural calamity. However, they assured everyone that the integrity of the competition remained a top priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Ticket Validity: <\/strong>Match day tickets issued for March 12, 2025, will remain valid for the rescheduled matches on March 13, 2025, allowing fans to witness both fixtures without additional costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Rescheduled fixtures at Ch\u00fcmou Stadium<\/strong><br>Nagaland United SC vs. Longterok FC \u2013 March 13, 2025, 9:00 AM (Resumes from halted scoreline)<br>Barak FC vs. 27 United FC \u2013 March 13, 2025, 12:30 PM (Full match replay).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sech\u00fc Zubza claims crucial win over Frontier Warriors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sech\u00fc Zubza Football Club (SZFC) secured a much-needed win against Frontier Warriors Football Club (FWFC) in the 34th match of the Nagaland Super League (NSL), at IG Stadium under challenging weather conditions. Despite multiple stoppages due to thick fog, SZFC managed to outscore FWFC 4-1, marking a significant boost for the team as they survive another match before the playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The match began on a high note, with both teams showing aggressive intent. Sech\u00fc Zubza dominated ball possession and created more opportunities early on, but their finishing left much to be desired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the game progressed, a thick blanket of fog settled over the field, significantly reducing visibility and making it difficult for both spectators and online viewers to follow the action, leading to the suspension of the live telecast. Despite the stadium\u2019s flashlights being turned on, visibility remained limited, forcing the match officials to pause the game multiple times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>After an initial seven-minute stoppage, play resumed, only for the fog to return soon after, leading to more interruptions. The weather continued to disrupt the flow of the game, with players waiting on the sidelines, drenched in rain and trying to stay warmed up. Towards the end of the second quarter, FWFC\u2019s defender P. Bumang was handed a cautionary card for an unhealthy challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>When the match finally picked up pace, FWFC took the lead in pressing forward, but it was SZFC\u2019s forward Limakumzak who broke the deadlock after missing two earlier chances. He netted the ball on his third attempt, putting SZFC ahead. FWFC responded with determined attacks, earning back-to-back corner kicks, but they failed to convert them into goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>FWFC\u2019s persistence eventually paid off when their defender Tsalichem found the equalizer, bringing the score to 1-1. However, SZFC swiftly regained the lead before halftime, thanks to a well-placed shot by forward Amun Munsaham. Despite multiple missed opportunities, SZFC continued their offensive pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Limakumzak doubled his tally with a powerful strike, pushing the score to 4-1. As the match neared its end, fog once again descended on the field, reducing visibility to almost zero. With just minutes remaining, even the match officials struggled to keep track of the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>After a hard-fought game, SZFC emerged victorious. Their under-20 defender Kevisekho Miasalhou was named Man of the Match for his crucial defensive contributions. The award was presented by Director YRS and a member of the NSL governing body, Kethosituo Sekhose. This win provides a much-needed boost for Sech\u00fc Zubza FC as they look to improve their standing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lighting played spoilsports on Match Day 13 of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) at Ch\u00fcmoukedima football stadium where thousands of football fans went to witness a battle between title contenders- Longterok FC and Nagaland United SC.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":475374,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40753],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-475367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sport-nagaland"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/475367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=475367"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/475367\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/475374"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=475367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=475367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nagalandpost.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=475367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}