Nagaland Super League

Longterok FC’s Playoff Journey: Grit, Goals and Glory in NSL 2025

If you’ve been keeping up with the Nagaland Super League (NSL) this year, you’ve probably noticed Longterok FC carving out a name for themselves in the 2025 season. 

From a blazing start to weathering some tough storms and peaking just when it mattered, their road to the playoffs has been a thrilling ride. 

Today, we’re breaking down their journey—month by month, match by match—while spotlighting the players and tactics that got them to a well-earned 3rd-place finish. 

Ready to relive the highs and lows? Let’s dive in!

January: A Roaring Start

It’s January 29, 2025, and Longterok FC steps onto the pitch against Frontier Warriors for their season opener. What happens next? 

A jaw-dropping 4-0 win that screams, “We’re here to dominate!” Clinical finishing, a defense that didn’t give an inch, and a midfield pulling the strings like maestros—Longterok FC set the tone early. 

It was the kind of victory that had fans buzzing and opponents taking notice. Could this be their year?

February: Navigating Challenges

February rolled around, and the NSL showed its teeth. Longterok FC faced a gauntlet of tough matches that tested their mettle. 

On February 1, they kicked off with a 2-2 draw against 27 United—a frustrating game where they let the lead slip twice due to shaky defending. 

A week later, they battled Red Scars to a 1-1 draw, dominating possession but missing that killer touch-up top. Then came the wake-up call: a 3-0 thrashing by Nagaland United on February 12. 

Nagaland United’s relentless pressing shredded Longterok’s midfield, and their attack just couldn’t get going.

But here’s where the story gets good. Longterok didn’t crumble—they bounced back. On February 15, they scrapped out a 1-1 draw against Barak, clawing their way back from behind to snag a point. 

Then, on February 19, they hit reset with a smooth 2-0 win over Sechu Zubza. Quick counterattacks, tactical discipline, and a clean sheet showed they were finding their groove again. 

February was a rollercoaster, but it taught them how to fight.

Mid-Season Break: Regrouping for the Push

Every team needs a breather, and Longterok FC made the most of the mid-season break. This wasn’t just downtime, it was a chance to regroup, tweak tactics, and get key players back to peak fitness. 

The coaching staff zeroed in on tightening up the defense and sharpening their attacking moves. When the whistle blew to restart the season, Longterok was ready to turn up the heat.

Late February and March: Hitting Their Stride

Late February brought the fireworks. On February 26, Longterok faced Frontier Warriors again—and what a game! A 3-2 thriller, complete with a late winner that had the crowd roaring. 

Resilience, flair, and some slick passing in midfield sealed the deal. 

March kept the momentum going. They opened with a 1-1 draw against 27 United on March 1, matching their physicality and holding firm. 

On March 8, a gritty 1-0 win over Red Scars showcased their defensive backbone and a moment of magic upfront.

The real test came on March 13—a 1-1 draw against powerhouse Nagaland United. Longterok stood tall, showing grit and composure to grab a crucial point against a title contender. 

Two days later, they sealed the deal with a 1-0 win over Barak on March 15. A professional, disciplined performance locked in their playoff spot. 

Sure, the season ended with a 1-0 loss to Sechu Zubza on March 19—tough break—but by then, the mission was accomplished. Longterok FC was playoff-bound!

Key Turning Points: Sealing the Playoff Spot

Every season has its defining moments, and for Longterok FC, two wins stand out like gold. 

First, that 3-2 victory over Frontier Warriors on February 26—a heart-pounding display of fight and attacking swagger. 

Then, the 1-0 win against Barak on March 15—a masterclass in discipline that punched their playoff ticket. 

These back-to-back triumphs were the rocket fuel behind their 3rd-place finish. When the pressure was on, Longterok delivered.

What Makes Longterok FC Tick?

So, how did Longterok FC pull this off? Let’s break it down with some numbers from their season stats:

Defensive Solidity: Conceding just 12 goals in 12 matches (that’s 1.0 per game), they had the second-best defensive record in the league. Four clean sheets—like the ones against Sechu Zubza and Red Scars—prove they were tough to crack.

Midfield Control: Longterok’s midfielders ran the show, dictating tempo and keeping possession in most games. It’s no wonder they bossed matches like that 4-0 opener!

Clutch Performances: Key wins against playoff rivals Frontier Warriors and Barak weren’t flukes—they were earned through guts and determination.

Oh, and discipline? They averaged only 1.6 yellow cards per game and didn’t see a single red. Cool heads prevailed, and it paid off.

Here’s a quick snapshot of their season stats:

     - Matches Played: 12

     - Goals Scored: 17 (1.4 per game)

     - Goals Conceded: 12 (1.0 per game)

     - Clean Sheets: 4

     - Yellow Cards: 1.6 per game

     - Red Cards: 0

Pretty balanced, right? That’s Longterok FC in a nutshell.

Star Players to Watch

No team makes it this far without some standout performers. Meet the heroes who powered Longterok FC’s playoff push:

Khakvi Assumi – The Goal Machine
Assumi was Longterok’s sharpshooter, bagging 5 goals in 9 games. Whether it was a clutch strike or a game-changer, he was the man defenses feared.

Manton Wangshu – The Reliable Forward
Wangshu brought consistency and hustle, scoring 4 goals across 12 matches. His work rate tied the attack together.

Imtikumzuk Chang – The Wall in Goal
Chang was a brick wall, racking up 7 clean sheets in 10 games. Only 4 goals slipped past him—talk about a game-changer!

Arap Konyak – The Young Forward
Konyak’s vision and 4 goals as an 18-year-old were pure gold. He kept the engine humming and chipped in when it counted.

Cornelius Laldinsang Pudaite – The Engine Room
Pudaite didn’t score, but his tireless running and ball-winning in midfield gave Longterok the balance they needed.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Aspirations

As Longterok FC heads into the playoffs, they’re looking like a team with all the pieces in place. 

A stingy defense, a creative midfield, and an attack that can strike out of nowhere—plus the composure to avoid silly mistakes (zero red cards, folks!). 

Sure, that final loss to Sechu Zubza wasn’t ideal, but it doesn’t erase the consistency that got them here.

So, what’s next? Can Longterok FC take this momentum and make a deep playoff run? Could they even lift the trophy? 

They’ve got the tools, the grit, and the talent. Now it’s up to them to bring it all together. What do you think, fans? 



There you have it: Longterok FC’s wild, wonderful journey to the NSL playoffs. From the highs of that 4-0 start to the lessons of February and the triumphs of March, this team has shown they belong among the league’s best.

Date: March 22, 2025