Match in action between 27 United and Longterok FC at IG Stadium on March 1.
KOHIMA, MARCH 1 (MExN): In a dramatic day of football in the Nagaland Super League at IG Stadium, Kohima, 27 United FC and Longterok FC played to a 1-1 draw, while Red Scars FC edged Frontier Warriors FC 2-1 in a closely contested match.
Longterok FC dominated the opening stages of the match, holding more possession and creating multiple chances, but struggled with finishing. In the 4th minute, Longterok had a goal ruled out for offside, and in the 18th minute, a free header from a corner went wide. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when a misjudged clearance from 27th United’s goalkeeper turned a long pass from Namang into an unexpected own goal, giving Longterok a 1-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, 27 United fought back. Jangjagin Kuki made a strong run in the 49th minute but couldn’t finish. However, the equalizer came in the 53rd minute when substitute Lohrii struck a powerful shot from outside the box to make it 1-1.
The match continued with both teams pressing for a winner. Longterok maintained control of possession, but 27 United looked dangerous on the counter. Kuki delivered a dangerous cross in the 63rd minute, but no teammate could get on the end of it. Longterok then had a golden opportunity to secure the win in stoppage time, but their attempt went wide, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Longterok controlled 55% of possession and outshot 27 United 15-10, with 8 shots on target, but their inability to capitalize on chances ultimately cost them. 27 United, despite being under pressure for much of the match, earned a point thanks to resilient defense and a timely equalizer.
Man of the Match: Namang (Longterok FC).
In the second match of the day, Red Scars FC claimed a 2-1 victory over Frontier Warriors FC, despite being outshot and outpossessed by their opponents. Frontier Warriors made an early impact, with a goal disallowed in the 7th minute due to a foul by Ayenmongba. Red Scars had their own strike ruled out in the 43rd minute, and the first half ended with no goals.
Red Scars broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when Sentilong converted a long ball from Meren to give them a 1-0 lead. Frontier Warriors responded in the 64th minute, with Danmei finishing a cross from Ayenmongba to level the score at 1-1.
However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 90th minute when an own goal by Frontier Warriors’ Gautam Singh, following a shot from Red Scars, handed the visitors a 2-1 lead. In stoppage time, Red Scars’ goalkeeper made a vital save to prevent Frontier Warriors from equalizing and secure the win.
Despite having just 48% possession and 8 shots on goal, Red Scars capitalized on key moments, while Frontier Warriors struggled to convert their chances. The late own goal proved decisive in handing Red Scars the victory.
Man of the Match: Kekhrie (Red Scars FC).
Next Fixture
Frontier Warriors Vs Nagaland United SC | March 5 | Chümoukedima Football Stadium | 7 PM
27 United FC Vs Red Scars | IG Stadium Kohima | March 5 | 5 PM
Longterok FC: Red Scars | Chümoukedima Fotball Stadium | March 8 | 4 PM
