Nagaland Super League: Action-packed day sees tight contests
Nagaland Super League: Action-packed day sees tight contests
Longterok FC faced 27 United FC at 2 pm at IG Stadium, Kohima, followed by Frontier Warriors FC taking on Red Scars FC at 5 pm, also at IG Stadium, Kohima. Nagaland United Sports Club played against Sechu Zubza FC at 4 pm at Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
A player from 27 United FC (blue jersey) challenges his
opponent from Longterok FC (white jersey) during an intense moment on the
field.
DIMAPUR — On
Saturday, in the ongoing first edition of the Nagaland Super League (NSL),
three matches were played.
Longterok FC faced 27 United FC at 2 pm at IG Stadium,
Kohima, followed by Frontier Warriors FC taking on Red Scars FC at 5 pm, also
at IG Stadium, Kohima. Nagaland United Sports Club played against Sechu Zubza
FC at 4 pm at Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
According to an update, the match between 27th United FC and
Longterok FC ended in a 1-1 draw.
In the first half, Longterok nearly took the lead in the 4th
minute with an early chance, but the offside flag denied them. In the 18th
minute, a free header from a corner went wide, wasting another opportunity.
However, in the 44th minute, Longterok broke the deadlock when a misjudged
clearance by 27 United's goalkeeper turned a long pass from Namang into an
unexpected goal. At halftime, Longterok led 1-0, having 55% possession and 9
shots (3 on target), while 27 United had 4 shots (1 on target).
In the second half, 27 United's Jangjagin Kuki displayed
skill with a solo run in the 49th minute but was unable to convert. In the 53rd
minute, substitute Lohrii levelled the score with a powerful strike from
outside the box, reigniting 27 United's hopes. The intensity increased in the
60th minute as both teams pressed for a winner, with Longterok controlling
possession while 27 United posed a threat on the counter. In the 63rd minute,
Kuki delivered a dangerous cross, but no teammate was able to connect.
In the 71st minute, Kuki created another big chance, but
Longterok's goalkeeper made a crucial save. Finally, in stoppage time,
Longterok missed a golden opportunity in the 94th minute, ensuring the match
ended in a draw.
The Man of the Match was Namang of Longterok FC.
In the clash at IG Stadium, Red Scars FC edged Frontier
Warriors FC 2-1. In the first half, Frontier Warriors had a goal disallowed in
the 7th minute after Ayenmongba committed a foul during a header from a cross.
Red Scars wasted a long-range shot in the 24th minute, firing wide. In the 34th
minute, Frontier Warriors squandered a golden chance to take the lead, with Red
Scars clearing the danger.
A goal from Red Scars was ruled out in the 43rd minute after
their striker fouled Frontier Warriors' goalkeeper. However, in the 47th
minute, Red Scars broke the deadlock when Sentilong converted a long ball from
Meren, putting them 1-0 ahead. At halftime, Frontier Warriors led possession
(52%) but trailed 1-0, with both teams registering 5 shots (Frontier Warriors:
1 on target, Red Scars: 3 on target).
In the second half, Frontier Warriors dominated play,
pressing for an equaliser as Red Scars sat back. In the 64th minute, Danmei
pulled one back for Frontier Warriors with a brilliant finish, assisted by
Ayenmongba. In the 70th minute, Frontier Warriors' Liang fired a decent attempt
wide. In the 90th minute, a shock own goal by Frontier Warriors' Gautam Singh,
following a Red Scars shot from a cross, put Red Scars 2-1 ahead. In stoppage
time, Red Scars' goalkeeper made a crucial save to deny Frontier Warriors a
late equaliser.
The Man of the Match was Kekhrie, captain of Red Scars FC.
The final match of the day saw Nagaland United SC triumph
over Sechu Zubza FC with a 2-1 victory. Peseyie was the star for Nagaland
United, scoring both goals at 45+5' and 85'. Sechu Zubza FC's lone goal came
from Pynba at the 58th minute.
A Frontier Warriors player (white jersey) makes a pass while
being closely guarded by a Red Scars FC player (red jersey) during their match
on Saturday.
