Barak FC triumphed 3-2 over Nagaland United SC in a thrilling opening match of the inaugural Nagaland Super League (NSL) season at Chümoukedima Football Stadium. The match, which was a spectacle of passion and determination, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting league.
Barak FC opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a goal from Kenumdi, marking the first goal of the league. However, Nagaland United SC responded just before halftime, with Neside equalizing in the 42nd minute to make it 1-1.
The second half saw Barak FC take control as Toka struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 54th and 59th minutes to give Barak FC a 3-1 lead. Nagaland United SC fought back and pulled one back in the 66th minute through Sanyem, but despite their efforts, the match ended 3-2 in favor of Barak FC.
With the victory, Barak FC claimed an early lead in the standings, while the race for the top positions remains wide open. The inaugural NSL features seven teams and will be played across two venues: Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima and Chümoukedima Football Stadium. A total of 46 matches will be played during the league, with a six-day break scheduled after the first round from February 20 to 25. The NSL will conclude on March 31.
Tickets for the league’s inaugural season are available online starting at 5 pm on January 22 via Ahibi.in. The first matches will kick off at 2:00 pm, with the second matches starting at 5:00 pm in Chümoukedima, while Kohima’s matches will begin at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
The top four teams at the end of the league will advance to the playoffs, although the dates and venues for the playoffs are yet to be confirmed. In addition to online ticketing, physical tickets for matchday passes, stadium season passes, and fieldside passes will be available on-site at both Chümoukedima Football Stadium and IG Stadium during matchdays.
Chümoukedima will serve as the home ground for Nagaland United SC, Red Scars Football Club, Longterok Football Club, and Barak FC, while IG Stadium in Kohima will be home to Frontier Warriors, Sechu Zubza Football Club, and United Football Club.