Longterok FC have punched their ticket to the Nagaland Super League (NSL) final after a gritty extra-time win over Nagaland United Sporting Club (NUSC) in Playoff-3 at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Saturday.
The high-stakes clash saw both sides battle fiercely, with neither team able to break the deadlock in regulation time despite relentless attacking efforts. Longterok FC dominated the shot count with 13 attempts on goal (6 on target), while Nagaland United managed just 6 shots, with only one troubling the keeper. However, possession remained evenly split at 52%-48% in favor of Longterok.
With penalties looming, Longterok finally found the breakthrough in the 112th minute. It all started with Manton K Wangshu, who charged down the left flank before whipping in a cross into the box. Nagaland United center-back Sebin Varghese got to the ball first but failed to clear it convincingly.
Longterok’s U-20 talent Sangtea pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a left-footed strike, only to see his effort rattle off the far post. But as fortune would have it, Kakhevi Assumi was perfectly positioned to tap the ball into an empty net, securing Longterok FC’s place in the final of the NSL inaugural season.
With this win, Longterok FC now set their sights on Barak FC in the NSL final on April 1. Interestingly, Barak FC’s only loss this season came against Longterok, adding extra spice to the title clash.
Though Nagaland United had the upper hand in their two league meetings, winning the first encounter and drawing the second in a dramatic 1-1 battle, Longterok had the final say when it mattered most.
For his clutch performance, match-winner Kakhevi Assumi was named Player of the Match.
Nagaland United SC entered the playoffs as the second-best team in the league, but their dream of reaching the final took a hit after they fell to table-toppers Barak FC in a tense penalty shootout in Playoff-2. On the other side, Longterok FC, who finished third in the league, proved their mettle by knocking out 27 United FC with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Playoff-1.
NSL fever grips Mokokchung
Football fans in Mokokchung were treated to a live screening of the high-stakes playoff at Imlong Place, courtesy of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA). Enthusiasts turned up in numbers to cheer on Longterok FC, soaking in the electric atmosphere on the giant screen.
The MDFA had earlier said it hoped such initiatives would strengthen Mokokchung’s football culture and inspire young talents to dream big on the pitch.