The Nagaland Super League started with a sweet thrill as Barak Football Club narrowly defeated Nagaland United Sports Club at Chumoukedima Football Stadium in a 3-2 contest. Fans were given an exhilarating match filled with goals, attacks, and sheer brilliance by the team and its players.
First Half
Barak FCs’ Kenumdi Siarau receiving the ball as a through pass in the 9th minute, followed by a clean, well-placed shot to the side netting of the goal, allowed the game to start with a bang.
The first half was highlighted by the fantastic centre of a pitch pressing from Barak FC and NUSC’s defence breaking apart.
However, just before the half started, Nisede Peseyie finished off a rocket counterattack in the 42nd minute. His goal allowed both teams to head into the break even at 1-1.
Second Half
During the second half, Barak FC increased their intensity, particularly in the case of Toka A Achumi, who took on a more demanding challenge.
He regained the lead for Barak in the 54th minute with great shot accuracy, followed up with a powerful header 5 minutes later. This jubilation sent the home fans into a wave of frenzy.
Making a comeback from two goals behind is not easy; however, NUSC achieved it with great prowess.
Following NCUC’s two-goal mark, Sanyem Konyak scored a goal at the 66th-minute mark, allowing for a suspenseful ending.
NUSC tried to press high in pursuit of the equalizer, but Barak’s strong defence held them back, allowing Barak to secure a fiercely contested win.
Player of the Match: Toka A Achumi (Barak FC)
Achumi was the standout performer of Barak FC on the pitch.
While there were quite a few heroes on the pitch, his exceptional positioning and finishing techniques were best displayed when he scored two magnificent goals that helped secure a win for the team.
Moreover, reinforcing his prowess in aerial battles, his second goal was scored through a putative header.
Team Performance Analysis
Barak Football Club:
- Delivered a well-balanced style of play that fused structure, discipline and attacking prowess.
- They showed composure despite conceding an equalizer and instead registered a bounce by deploying attacking moves that were precise and targeted.
- He capitalized on his set-piece opportunities, with Achumi’s header as a particular highlight.
Nagaland United Sports Club:
- Sharp counterattacks coupled with swift ball movement showcased some segments of brilliance.
- Allowed Barak to take control due to defensive lapses in the second half.
- Despite showing great fighting spirit in the latter stages of the match, they lacked the final blow needed to level the game.