Barak FC crowned first-ever Nagaland Super League champions after 3-1 win over Longterok FC

The NSL champions only lost once during the 2024-25 season

The Nagaland-based Barak FC have been crowned as the inaugural Nagaland Super League (NSL) champions after registering an impressive 3-1 win over Longterok FC. A league organized by the Nagaland Football Association, the club from the city of Peren had a dream run in the 2024-25 season.

Goals from Mangkholen (53′), Toka A. Achumi (66′), and N Melvin (84′) saw the club trump Longterok FC in one of their biggest games of the season. The club showed tremendous form throughout the season, losing only once in 14 league games.

Barak FC had a fairytale season in the Nagaland Super League

As one of the most decorated clubs in the state, Barak FC showcased why they were the superior team in the NSL. They finished the league stage phase with 29 points from 12 matches amassing nine wins, two draws, and just a single defeat.

The club carried the winning momentum into the playoffs and faced Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC), who finished second in the league phase standings. Barak was challenged by NUSC, who pushed them past extra-time and onto a penalty shootout. However, the players from the Peren-city club held their nerve as they walked out 3-1 winners after an intense game.

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A team from Peren who dominated their opponents

A club that was founded in 2006, Barak FC was also the winner of the inaugural Nagaland Premier League back in 2012. Following the NPL success, the club has collected several trophies including three NSF Martyrs Cup titles, four Classic Cup championships (2014, 2015, and 2016 among them), and the Captain Kenguruse Trophy in 2022.

A huge reason for the club was the contribution of Barak FC striker Toka A Achumi, who recorded 13 goals and finished as the league’s top-scorer. While he didn’t contribute a lot during the semi-final game against NUSC, Toka made his presence known in the Final against Longterok FC.

The Nagaland Super League is here to stay

The 2024-25 season and the success of Barak FC has established the standard of excellence for the football fans in the state of Nagaland. A sold-out crowd showed up to encourage the two teams who made it to the finals, and over 50,000 people tuned in online for the momentous occasion.

A successful NSL season spells promising things for Nagaland football as they build their own domestic league, which can unearth the next big talent. A state which has witnessed legendary players like Talimeren Ao in the past and new stars in Asish Rai in the present, the NSL could serve as a platform for nurturing Indian national football team stars.

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