Barak FC edge past Longterok FC 3-1 to lift first Nagaland Super League title

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• The victorious Barak FC players with the NSL trophy after defeating Longterok FC 3-1 at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, on Tuesday night. (EM Images)

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• DIMAPUR — In a thrilling showdown at the capacity crowd Chümoukedima Football Stadium, Barak FC edged past Longterok FC 3-1 to lift the first Nagaland Super League (NSL) title on Tuesday.
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• From the moment the whistle blew, Barak FC asserted their dominance in the pitch with their superior playwork and giving their opponents little room to manoeuvre. Demonstrating maturity and tactical superiority, Barak FC maintained their grip on the game till the final whistle.
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• In the first half, both teams made repeated forays into their rival’s territory, testing each other's defences with aggressive attacks and counter-attacks.
• However, the scoreboard remained blank for both teams until the break.
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• In the second half, both rivals stepped up their play, buoyed up by the cheers of the fans.
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• The breakthrough finally came for Barak FC in the 51st minute when Mangkholen found the rival’s net. This was followed by his mate Toka’s strike in the 64th minute another goal from Lun Kuki in the 83rd minute, solidifying Barak’s winning chances.
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• Longterok FC struggled to get back into the game but most of their attacks were arrested midway by Barak’s solid defence. Their weak defence also added to their woes.
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• With Barak FC maintaining their tempo and, more or less, dictating the play, Longterok FC found themselves constantly on the defensive and on the back foot, unable to break the goal jinx.
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• The face-saving goal for Longterok FC finally came in the dying minutes through the boots of K Assumi (90+5th minute). But it was too little, too late, as Barak FC went on to clinch the championship.
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• It was reported that tickets for the grand finale were all sold out a couple of days before: Some eager spectators were seen even climbing trees to witness Tuesday night’s thriller.

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