NSL Roundup: 27 United and NUSC seal late wins as Barak FC drop points

Jangjagin Kuki’s late winner fires 27 United past Red Scars

27 United FC clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Red Scars FC in an intense Nagaland Super League Match Day 11 encounter at IG Stadium, Kohima, on March 5. The contest, played under clear skies and in front of an energetic crowd, saw both teams battle fiercely, with a solitary late goal separating them after a closely contested match.

Red Scars began the game on the front foot, nearly breaking the deadlock as early as the sixth minute when Sentilong squandered a golden opportunity inside the box. The early stages saw Red Scars push aggressively, while 27 United struggled to settle into rhythm. Drama unfolded around the 20th minute when 27 United thought they had found the opener, only for the referee to rule it out for offside.

Despite the high tempo, neither side could find the breakthrough before halftime.

The second half maintained the same high intensity, with both teams exchanging chances in rapid succession. Red Scars’ keeper Eshong produced a standout performance, notably pulling off a spectacular save to deny Ngansang in the 57th minute, keeping his side in the match. Red Scars attempted to break down 27 United’s defense with a series of long-ball attacks, but the backline held firm under pressure.

As the clock ticked towards full-time, it was 27 United who found the decisive moment. In the 86th minute, Ngansang delivered a pinpoint long pass into the path of Jangjagin Kuki, who kept his composure and calmly slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to give his side the lead. The late strike proved to be the difference in a match where margins were razor-thin.

Jangjagin Kuki’s crucial goal and all-around composure earned him the Player of the Match accolade, as 27 United secured a vital three points to climb the league standings. For Red Scars, it was an evening of frustration, as missed opportunities and a momentary lapse in concentration late on denied them a share of the spoils.

After today’s result, both teams are now level on 9 points, occupying the 4th and 5th positions on the table respectively. Red Scars sit ahead due to a superior goal difference, but 27 United have a game in hand.

Barak FC and Sechü Zubza share points in stalemate

Barak Football Club and Sechü Zubza Football Club played out a hard-fought goalless draw in their Nagaland Super League Match Day 11 fixture at the Chumoukedima Football Stadium on Wednesday. In a match defined by defensive discipline and missed opportunities, neither side managed to find the breakthrough, settling for a point each.

League leaders Barak FC looked the more composed side in possession, dictating the tempo for much of the match and creating consistent attacking opportunities. However, poor finishing in the final third cost them dearly, as they failed to capitalise on their dominance. Sechü Zubza FC, meanwhile, proved dangerous on the counterattack and came close on a few occasions, including a shot that struck the post, but their forwards lacked precision in front of goal.

At the heart of Sechü Zubza’s resilient defensive display was Menoneikho, whose composed performance and key interventions earned him the Player of the Match award. His efforts ensured Barak’s attacks were repeatedly blunted, allowing Sechü Zubza to hold firm under pressure.
With this result, Barak FC remain at the top of the table, holding a narrow one-point lead over Nagaland United SC. Sechü Zubza now sit sixth with eight points, just one point behind Red Scars and 27 United FC, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

NUSC snatch last-gasp victory over Frontier Warriors

Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Frontier Warriors FC in an intense encounter at Chumoukedima Football Stadium. NUSC controlled much of the possession but had to work hard to overcome a determined Frontier Warriors side, who posed constant threats on the counterattack.

Frontier Warriors struck first through Muthiu’s well-taken goal in the 48th minute, putting pressure on NUSC to respond. The equalizer came in the 65th minute when N Peseyie calmly converted a penalty, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. Deep into stoppage time, Shlok delivered the decisive blow with a goal in the 90+4th minute, sealing all three points for NUSC.

Despite the loss, Ayenmongba of Frontier Warriors earned the player of the match award for his commanding display in midfield.

With this win, NUSC stays just one point behind leaders Barak FC, while Frontier Warriors remain bottom with only four points from nine matches.

MT