Barak FC players celebrate winning the first ever Nagaland Super League in Chümoukedima on April 1.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 1
Barak FC lifted the inaugural Nagaland Super League (NSL) title on April 1 with a convincing 3-1 win over Longterok FC in front of a sold-out crowd at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
In what was a landmark day for football in Nagaland, thousands packed the stands while many more clung to nearby trees and rooftops to witness the final clash between two of the league’s best teams. Online, over 50,000 fans tuned in via livestream, marking a massive turnout both physically and virtually.
Barak FC, one of the most decorated clubs in the state, proved why they were the team to beat this season. Having topped the league stage with 29 points from 12 matches — nine wins, two draws, and just a single defeat — they carried their momentum into the playoffs, beating Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) to reach the final.
Their dominance continued under the floodlights on Sunday. Goals from Mangkholen in the 53rd minute, league top-scorer Toka A. Achumi in the 66th, and N. Melvin in the 84th sealed the win for Barak. Longterok’s K. Assumi managed a consolation goal deep into stoppage time in the 90+5th minute.
Toka A. Achumi — who finished the season as the league’s highest goal scorer with 13 goals, including two hat tricks — was once again central to Barak’s attacking force. Although he didn’t score in the semifinal, he left his mark on the final with a well-taken strike and his relentless movement up front.
Barak’s first goal came early in the second half when K. Siarau smashed it into the net.
Thirteen minutes later, Achumi doubled the lead. N. Melvin then added a third in the 84th minute.
Longterok FC, who finished third in the league standings with 20 points (five wins, five draws, and two losses), had impressed throughout the season under coach Changsang Ongbou Chang. Their playoff win over 27 United FC had set up a final clash many were eagerly anticipating.
However, they struggled to break down Barak’s organized defense and midfield, only managing to score late in injury time when K. Assumi found the net.
Barak FC’s journey to the title adds another milestone to a decorated history. Founded in 2006, the Peren-based club was also the winner of the inaugural Nagaland Premier League in 2012. Since then, it has collected trophies including three NSF Martyrs Cup titles, four Classic Cup championships (2014, 2015, and 2016 among them), and the Captain Kenguruse Trophy in 2022.
As the final whistle blew and Barak’s players celebrated with their fans, the significance of the moment was clear. The NSL has not only raised the bar for competitive football in Nagaland but also tapped into the growing hunger for the sport across the state.
