Longterok FC’s K Arap Konyak (White 11) scores the decisive goal in the 36th minute, handing Barak FC their first defeat in the ongoing Nagaland Super League at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on March 15. (Photo Courtesy: @NSLOfficial2024/X)\
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 15
Barak Football Club’s (FC) unbeaten run in the Nagaland Super League (NSL) came to an end on Matchday 14 as they fell 0-1 to Longterok FC in a tightly contested encounter at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on March 15.
A first-half strike from K Arap Konyak in the 36th minute proved to be the decisive moment, securing a crucial victory for Longterok FC. Despite a late push from Barak FC, their attempts to find an equaliser were thwarted by a resolute Longterok defence, led by Namang Yimjong. Yimjong was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his leadership at the back.
Longterok FC also edged Barak FC in terms of ball possession, holding 51% compared to 49% for Barak. They registered six shots against Barak’s five, with both sides managing two shots on target. The result shakes up the league standings, giving the title race fresh momentum.
Earlier in the day, Red Scars FC and Nagaland United Sporting Club (NUSC) played out a goalless draw in a match filled with attacking intent but lacking finishing quality. While Red Scars FC had more possession (53%) compared to NUSC (47%), the latter registered 16 shots against just five for Red Scars FC.
Red Scars FC goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu was instrumental in keeping his side in the game with crucial saves. Despite NUSC’s greater number of attempts, Red Scars FC had more shots on target (5) compared to NUSC’s 3. Chalieu was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance.
Meanwhile, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima, Sechü Zubza FC and 27 United FC shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Jangjagin Kuki put 27 United FC ahead with a penalty in the 52nd minute before Pursunep’s late equaliser in the 88th salvaged a point for Sechü Zubza FC.
Widambo Rentta of 27 United FC was awarded the Player of the Match for his impressive display in the match.
Following Matchday 14, Barak FC remains at the top of the standings with 26 points despite their loss to Longterok FC, with 8 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss.
NUSC follows in second place with 21 points after their draw on Saturday.
However, Longterok FC is closing the gap in third with 20 points, reducing the difference from three points after Matchday 13 to just one.
27 United FC hold 4th place with 13 points, followed by Sechü Zubza FC with 12. Red Scars FC sit in sixth with 10 points, while Frontier Warriors FC remain at the bottom with 4.
Nagaland Super League Points Table After Matchday 14 | |||||||||
Rank | CLUB | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
1 | BARAK FC | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 24 | 8 | 16 | 26 |
2 | NAGALAND UNITED SC | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 23 | 9 | 14 | 21 |
3 | LONGTEROK FC | 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 20 |
4 | 27 UNITED FC | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 15 | 26 | -11 | 13 |
5 | SECHU ZUBZA FC | 11 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 22 | 20 | 2 | 12 |
6 | RED SCARS FC | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 15 | -6 | 10 |
7 | FRONTIER WARRIORS FC | 11 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 16 | 37 | -21 | 4 |
#GF- Goal For; GA-Goal Against; GD- Goal Difference (GF-GA) | |||||||||
