A look at the final 4 clubs in the NSL Playoffs
Rebecca Kits Jakhalu
Kohima | March 23
As the inaugural season of the Nagaland Super League (NSL) nears its thrilling climax, only four clubs remain in the race for the championship.
From a pool of seven, Barak FC, Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC), Longterok FC and 27 United FChave managed to outlast their competitors, securing their place in the upcoming playoffs. With exceptional talent, strategy, and resilience, these teams have managed to reach this stage.
Barak FC: The Established Giants
In the NSL, Barak FC has established itself as the team to beat. With an impressive 29 points from 12 matches, they finished top of the league, boasting an outstanding record of 9 wins, 2 draws, and just one loss.
Their performance throughout the season has been nothing short of dominant, with the team displaying an exceptional balance between attacking prowess and defensive solidity.With 26 goals scored and only 9 conceded, Barak FC earned its spot at the top of the table with a commanding +17 goal difference and the league’s best attacking and defensive records.
In attack, they scored 26 goals in 12 matches, averaging over two goals per game. With 12 goals so far, the league’s top scorer, Toka A Achumi has been a standout performer for Barak FC.The club has also demonstrated great defensive strength, conceding just 9 goals in 12 matches.
With a rich history, Barak FC from Peren is one of the most established and successful teams in the state. Founded in 2006, the club participated in the inaugural Nagaland Premier League in 2012 and won, marking the beginning of its football journey.
The club has,since then, been a constant fixture in local tournaments, emerging as 3-time champions of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) Martyrs Cup, 4-time champions of the Classic Cup Nagaland (2014, 2015 & 2016), Champion of the Captain Kenguruse Trophy (2022) among other achievements.
“For us, the greatest feeling in the world is when you are on that field, and you know that your team is going to succeed because you look around and see your best friends right beside you. For some it is a matter of pride; others, another opportunity to place their bets. For us at Barak, it is just not sports. It’s life,” the club shared with The Morung Express.
They will be facing Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) on March 25 at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC): The Rising Stars
Founded in 2024, NUSC is another team from Chümoukedima, that has made its mark in the NSL’s inaugural season. NUSC has demonstrated impressive footballing talent and energy that has made them a serious contender in the playoffs.
With Khogen Singh (AFC- A License Coach) from Manipur as the head coach, NSL is the first major tournament the club is participating in.
NUSC has firmly positioned itself as one of the top contenders for the title, finishing in second place with 21 points from 12 matches and 8 points behind league toppers Barak FC.
The club has managed to maintain a balance between its offensive firepower and defensive stability. With a total of 23 goals scored, the team boasts a goal difference of +14, which is the second-best in the league. Nisede Peseyie has led the club’s attack with 11 goals to his name, and is also the second highest goal scorer of the league. Defensively, the club has displayed asolid backline, conceding only 9 goals in 12 matches.
“NUSC’s core objective is to establish a culture of sportsmanship by supporting athletes, fostering unity and growth of sports and games and spreading the spirit of sporting culture across communities and beyond.Through the platform of sports, we aim to inspire our people to ‘Rise Together’,” the club shared.
The team’s solid performance has made them a formidable force heading into the playoffs, and they will be facing Barak FC on March 25.
Longterok FC: The Consistent Kings
Based in Chümoukedima, Longterok Football Club (L.F.C.) was established in 2024. It is owned and managed by Longterok Sports Management Company, founded by Temjenmoa Jamir and Suyatemjen Longkumer.
“L.F.C. aims to become a well-established professional football club, providing a platform for grassroots development while contributing to the growth of football in Nagaland,” the club stated.
With Changsang Ongbou Chang, AFC C license holder as head coach, the club has proven to be a tough and reliable contender, securing a place in the playoffs with a third-place finish in the league with 20 points. They managed to pick up points in almost every match, with 5 wins, 5 draws, and just 2 lossesin their campaign.
Their five wins against a mixture of opposition, showed they could perform well against both stronger and lower-ranked teams.They are also the only team to have handed league leaders Barak FC their first and only defeat.Even in matches where they failed to get all three points, Longterok FC managed to bounce back and avoid heavy defeats. Their resilience and consistent ability to get results have been crucial in their playoff qualification.
L.F.C. will be facing 27 United FC on March 24 at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
27 United Football Club: The Dark Horses
Founded just a year ago, on August 27, 2024, the 27 United FC, Kohima made its debut in the NSL and established itself as one of the most exciting teams in the league.
“The club’s name, ‘27 United FC’, represents the date of its founding and the unity of its members. Its theme, ‘Peace Through Sports,’ reflects the club’s mission to bring peace within as well as to bring people together and promote peace through football, the club shared. At present, the club has 30 active members and 8 associate members. It also informed that the club is currently applying for registration under the Societies Registration Act, 2008, Government of Nagaland.
Under Head Coach, Lavoriyi Theluo AFC- B Licence holder, 27 United FC placed fourth in the league and qualified for the playoffs.
Over the course of 12 matches, they amassed 16 points, managing to win 4 matches, lose 4, and draw 4. Their goal tally stood at 18 goals scored, but their defensive struggles were evident, as they conceded 28 goals, leaving them with a negative goal difference of -10.
As they head into the playoffs against Longterok FC, 27 United FC will be hoping to fix the defensive vulnerabilities and capitalize on their attacking strengths.
With the playoffs underway from March 24, the final four clubs—Barak FC, Nagaland United Sports Club, Longterok FC, and 27 United FC—are ready to battle it out for the championship. Each of these teams has shown incredible potential, making the upcoming playoff matches a must-watch for fans.The final four are ready to battle for glory in what promises to be an unforgettable end to the inaugural season of the Nagaland Super League.
