Players of Nagaland United SC during a training session in Chümoukedima ahead of their historic home debut.
Dimapur, November 13 (MExN): Nagaland United SC will play their first-ever home match in the Indian Football League (IFL) when they host two-time champions and table-toppers Gokulam Kerala FC at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Saturday.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 6.30 pm, will be the second fixture of a double-header in the Star Cement Indian Football League 2026-27, with FC Bengaluru United taking on Real Kashmir FC earlier in the day.
Both matches will be telecast live on DD Sports and streamed on the Unite8 YouTube channel, Z5 and the WAVES app.
NUSC, making their debut in the IFL this season, are currently fifth in the standings with three points from one match. A victory in front of their home supporters would take them level on points with the league leaders.
The Nagaland side began its campaign with an impressive 3-1 away victory over Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar on October 30.
Ahead of the club’s maiden home fixture, head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla said the victory in Kashmir had given the players confidence and belief, but cautioned that every match presented a fresh challenge.
He described Gokulam Kerala as an experienced and quality side that was expected to be well-organised, physically strong and dangerous during crucial moments.
“Playing our first-ever IFL home match in Nagaland is a matter of great pride and responsibility, and our primary focus is on maintaining our discipline, managing the tempo and fighting for a positive result,” Ambapardiwalla said.
NUSC captain Rohmingthanga said the occasion carried significance beyond the result, describing the home fixture as a historic moment for Nagaland football.
“As captain, my job is to make sure the boys don’t feel the pressure, but feel the pride, because this is not just 90 minutes – this is history for Nagaland,” Rohmingthanga said.
He expressed hope that the team would make its home ground a fortress and pledged that the players would give their best to make the supporters proud.
Gokulam Kerala FC, meanwhile, arrive in Chümoukedima at the top of the standings with six points from two matches.
The Kerala-based club secured a 1-0 away victory over Rajasthan United FC in Jaipur last Saturday, despite their opponents being reduced to 10 players.
The trip to Chümoukedima is part of Gokulam Kerala’s run of five consecutive away matches.
Head coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira acknowledged the challenge of facing a motivated debutant side backed by home supporters but said his team was determined to maintain its winning momentum.
“We had a good preparation coming off a strong away win, and we want to keep this good momentum going. Nagaland had a very good game against Real Kashmir away, and since it will be their first match at home, we know they will come very strong against us with the support behind them. Our players are experienced and know how to deal with these situations,” Parreira said.
Saturday’s match will be the first competitive meeting between NUSC and Gokulam Kerala FC.
