Sechü Zubza and Longterok FC emerged victorious in their respective matches on the second matchday of the inaugural Nagaland Super League (NSL) on Wednesday.
The first match of the season in Kohima saw Sechü Zubza take on Red Scars FC at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, one of the two venues for the NSL. Both teams were determined to make a strong start to the tournament, and the match kicked off with an evenly matched intensity. The game was witnessed by Menla Ethenpa, Executive Member of the AIFF and President of the Sikkim Football Association, who attended as the special guest.
In a turn of events, an unfortunate own goal by Red Scars’ Meren Pongen in the 30th minute handed Sechü Zubza the lead. Pynba Suting then doubled the advantage in the 67th minute, earning him the Player of the Match award and ensuring all three points for the home side.
Earlier, Longterok FC made a dominant statement in the tournament with a resounding 4-0 win over Frontier Warriors FC in Chümoukedima. Longterok’s U-20 player Arap Konyak and forward Manton Wangshu both scored braces to propel the team to the top of the league standings.
Arap opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, catching Frontier Warriors off guard. Manton added a second goal in the 20th minute, and the pair struck again in the second half, with Arap scoring in the 67th minute and Manton in the 79th minute. The youngster Arap was named Player of the Match.
With six of the seven teams having now played a match, 27 United FC is the only team yet to debut, with their first game scheduled against table-toppers Longterok FC on February 1. Longterok, Sechü Zubza, and Barak FC all have three points, with their positions determined by goal difference.
The next set of matches will take place on February 1. Longterok FC will face 27 United FC, followed by Red Scars taking on Frontier Warriors in Chümoukedima, while Sechü Zubza will meet Nagaland United in Kohima.