Nagaland: Day 5 of Lotha Football C’ship sees Friends Club run riot

Day five of the ongoing 15th Lotha Football Championship produced a thrilling spectacle at the local ground, with four group-stage matches delivering drama, goals and decisive results. Friends Club FC stole the spotlight with a record-breaking performance, while other contenders strengthened their positions ahead of the final round of qualifiers.
The day began with Nitsuyan FC registering a comfortable 2–0 win over Star Madrid FC. Yiben Ezung opened the scoring in the 12th minute and Axenmongba doubled the lead five minutes later, ensuring Nitsuyan full control and three valuable points.
The second fixture saw Friends Club FC unleash a ruthless attacking display to dismantle Emirates FC 14–2 in what has become the most emphatic victory of the tournament so far. The match started at a frenetic pace, with both sides scoring within the opening ten minutes. Nesidie Peseyie struck in the first minute for Friends Club, before Zachamo Ovung equalised in the 5th. Renjamo restored the lead in the 9th, only for Zachamo to level again moments later.
From then on, Friends Club dominated proceedings. Renjamo delivered a sensational eight-goal haul (18’, 24’, 35’, 38’, 52’, 63’, 72+2), while Lirhonthung added a brace (22’, 50’). Joel Haokip scored twice (28’, 60’) and forced an own goal in the 65th minute, sealing a record-margin victory that firmly underlined Friends Club’s title credentials.
In the third match, Airfield Colony FC edged past Tsumang FC 2–1 in a tightly contested battle. After a goalless first half, Vizo broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. Tsumang responded quickly through Sulanthung, but Chenithung’s strike in the 67th minute proved decisive, handing Airfield Colony a crucial win.
The day concluded with Yon Sporting Club securing a composed 2–0 victory over Old Changsu FC. Yongsen Ao opened the scoring in the 13th minute and Sentisang added the second early in the second half (48’), ensuring a controlled finish and maximum points for Yon SC.
The final group-stage matches are scheduled for February 3, featuring Airfield Colony FC vs Star Madrid FC, Yon Sporting Club vs Flamingo FC, and NRFC vs Nitsuyan FC. With knockout spots at stake, decisive encounters are expected as the group stage reaches its climax.