Nagaland Natak FC clinch ATL Cup in penalty shootout thriller

Natak FC emerged champions of the inaugural Above 35 League (ATL) Cup after edging past Nizams FC in a dramatic final at Chümoukedima Stadium on Saturday. The contest ended 1–1 in regulation time before Natak FC sealed victory 4–2 in the penalty shootout.
The final lived up to expectations, with both sides starting brightly and creating chances in the opening quarter. Natak FC broke the deadlock just before halftime, carrying a slender lead into the break.
Nizams FC responded strongly in the second half, dominating possession and pressing high in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off with 10 minutes left on the clock as they found the back of the net to level the score at 1–1.
With neither team able to add to their tally, the match proceeded to penalties. Natak FC held their nerve from the spot, converting four attempts against Nizams FC’s two, to secure the hard-fought win and lift the championship trophy.
The ATL Cup, which kicked off on September 20, featured eight teams competing in a single-match format, unlike the regular ATL league’s two-leg home-and-away structure. The top four sides advanced to the semifinals, culminating in Saturday’s thrilling finale that marked a successful conclusion to the first edition of the tournament.