Barak FC players celebrate during their encounter with Nagaland United SC on the Matchday 9 of the ongoing Nagaland Super League (NSL) at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on February 26. (Photo Courtesy: NSL Media)
Longterok FC and Nagaland United SC eye second spot
Morung Express News
Chümoukidima/Kohima | February 26
Barak Football Club (FC) surged to the top of the points table with a crucial 1-0 victory over Nagaland United Sports Club (SC) as the Nagaland Super League (NSL) resumed on February 26 following a short break.
At the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, Barak FC secured the win with a lone goal from Henhen in the 77th minute. Benrithung Humtsoe of Barak FC was named the VK & Sons Player of the Match for his ‘outstanding performance on the field.’
In a thrilling encounter at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, Longterok FC fought off Frontier Warriors FC with a dramatic 3-2 win.
Frontier Warriors mounted a second-half comeback from a 0-2 deficit, but Longterok FC held on to claim the victory with a last-minute winner.
Longterok FC took a commanding lead in the first half, with K Assumi scoring twice in quick succession at the 9th and 26th minutes. However, Frontier Warriors responded strongly in the second half.
Mughahuto Chishi reacted quickly to score the rebound after Ayenmongba’s penalty hit the crossbar in the 46th minute, and latter himself leveled the score at 2-2 in the 58th minute.
As the match neared its end, Longterok’s Manton K Wangshu found the net in injury time (90+1’), sealing the win for his team.
Wangshu was awarded the Player of the Match honor for his decisive contribution.
Meanwhile, at Chümoukedima Football Stadium, Red Scars FC triumphed over Sechu Zubza FC in a thrilling 2-1 contest in the second match.
A penalty from Aimol and a 76th-minute strike from Thanggo secured the victory for Red Scars, despite a late stoppage-time goal from Nakhro of Sechu Zubza FC.
Neithovilie Chalieu of Red Scars FC earned the Player of the Match award for his key contributions during the match. At the end of Matchday 9, Barak FC’s key win propelled them to the top with 19 points after 7 matches, while Nagaland United SC and Longterok FC continue to vie for second place with 13 and 12 points, respectively, having played the same number of matches.
Sechu Zubza FC occupies the fourth spot with 7 points, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoff stage after Matchday 9.
However, Red Scars FC, 27 United FC, and Frontier Warriors FC are still battling to climb up the table.
