Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) will play in front of their home supporters for the first time in the Indian Football League (IFL) on Saturday evening, as the debutants take on two-time champions Gokulam Kerala FC in Chümoukedima.

NUSC are currently fifth in the standings with three points from one match, and a victory in their first home fixture would take them level on points with the league leaders, according to a press release.

The Nagaland side began their IFL campaign with an impressive 3-1 away win over Real Kashmir in Srinagar on October 30. JH Remlala opened the scoring in the third minute, while Vanlalhriatzuala K doubled the lead in the 21st minute. Real Kashmir reduced the deficit through an own goal in the 59th minute before Vanlalhriatzuala restored the two-goal advantage in the 74th minute. He was subsequently named Man of the Match.

Ahead of the historic home fixture, NUSC head coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla said the opening victory had boosted the team’s confidence but stressed that the players remained aware of the challenge ahead.

“Winning our IFL debut against Real Kashmir has given the players confidence and belief, but we understand that every match brings a new challenge. Gokulam Kerala FC are a quality side with experience, and we expect them to be well-organised, physically strong and dangerous in key moments,” he said.

Emphasising the significance of playing the club’s first-ever IFL home match in Nagaland, Ambapardiwalla said the team would focus on discipline, controlling the tempo and securing a positive result.

“Playing our first-ever IFL home match in Nagaland is a matter of great pride and responsibility, and our primary focus is on maintaining our discipline, managing the tempo and fighting for a positive result,” he added.

NUSC captain Rohmingthanga said the occasion carried significance beyond the outcome of the match, describing it as a historic moment for Nagaland football.

“I thank God for our away win in Kashmir, and while the dressing room mood is good, one win is just a start,” he said.

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“As captain, my job is to make sure the boys don’t feel the pressure, but feel the pride, because this is not just 90 minutes – this is history for Nagaland. We want to make our home a fortress, and we will give everything for this badge and this state to make our supporters proud,” Rohmingthanga added.

Standing in their way are Gokulam Kerala FC, who lead the table with six points from two matches. The Kerala-based side secured a 1-0 victory over ten-man Rajasthan United FC in Jaipur last Saturday, with Brazilian forward Crislan Da Silva scoring the decisive goal in the 68th minute. Reacting quickly to a looping clearance, he lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Head coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira acknowledged the challenge of facing a motivated debutant side playing before its home crowd, but said his team was determined to maintain its winning momentum.

“We had a good preparation coming off a strong away win, and we want to keep this good momentum going,” Parreira said.

“Nagaland had a very good game against Real Kashmir away, and since it will be their first match at home, we know they will come very strong against us with the support behind them. Our players are experienced and know how to deal with these situations,” he added.

Outlining the club’s ambitions for the season, Parreira said Gokulam Kerala were targeting a top-three finish and would seek to challenge for the title.

“Since we started the season, we have been preparing the team to finish in the top three and potentially be champions. If we want to be champions, we need to win these away games. We know it will be very tough to play here, but to continue our plans, we need to get these three points,” he said.

Gokulam Kerala’s Ghanaian forward Dennis Antwi also expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, saying the players were keen to extend their winning run.

“The team is very motivated. We are very happy to have won two games in a row, but we remain focused, and tomorrow we hope to keep the winning momentum going,” Antwi said.

Saturday’s encounter will be the first competitive meeting between Nagaland United SC and Gokulam Kerala FC, adding further significance to the occasion as Nagaland United prepare to make their home debut in the national league.