DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 22 (MExN): The Above 35 League (ATL) officially launched its eighth season with an exciting opening ceremony on Saturday, September 21, at the DGP Ground in Chumukedima. Now in its seventh year, the league showcases five teams competing in a home-and-away format exclusively on Saturdays. Each team will play twice over the course of ten match days, culminating in a finale on November 23.
The season opener saw the defending champions, Natak FC, deliver a stunning performance against Nizams FC, securing a commanding 4-0 victory. Mangkai ignited the match in the 14th minute, finishing a precise cross from Ikusa. Nizams FC struggled to respond, and Natak’s Hukato extended the lead with a brilliant solo run just minutes later in the 22nd minute. Despite controlling possession, Nizams’ attempts to score were thwarted by a spectacular save from Natak’s goalkeeper, Mathung, who denied a free-kick from Aponthung aimed at the top corner. Natak capitalized on counterattacks, netting two goals from three chances in the first half. The second half saw Mangkai score again in the 57th minute, with Hukato sealing the victory with a stunning long-range shot.
In the second match of the day, four-time champions Trinity Sporting overwhelmed Late Strikers with an astonishing 9-1 victory. The scoring began in the 14th minute, thanks to Meyiakum’s well-taken goal, which opened the floodgates for Trinity. Lamtenthong, who came on as a substitute, showcased his talent with a hat trick, contributing to a match filled with seven different goal scorers. Late Strikers’ Atoho managed a spectacular long-range goal, a highlight for his team, but it proved insufficient to stem Trinity’s offensive onslaught.