They emerge champions as Bengaluru United finish second to secure promotion
New Delhi: Delhi Football Club sealed the I-League 2 title and secured promotion to the Indian Football League after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against United SC at the Kalyani Stadium on Friday, while FC Bengaluru United also clinched promotion following a similar result against GMSC in Mumbai.
Delhi entered the decisive clash knowing a point would be enough to finish top of the table, but United SC began aggressively in front of their home supporters. M. Sreenath, Sumay Shome and Md. Amil Naim repeatedly stretched the Delhi backline, forcing goalkeeper Lalmuansanga into a series of important saves during an entertaining first half.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart when Susovan Ghosh rose highest from a corner to head United SC into the lead after previously striking the crossbar.
Delhi responded with composure and found the equaliser in the 66th minute through league top scorer Himanshu Jangra. Akash Tirkey released Samson Keishing down the flank before the latter squared for Himanshu to tap home from close range.
United SC pushed desperately for a winner that would have revived their promotion hopes, but Delhi remained organised at the back and nearly snatched victory themselves when Himanshu forced a fine late save. The final whistle confirmed Delhi as champions and extended United SC’s wait for a return to the second tier to 12 years.
At the Neville D’Souza Ground in Mumbai, FC Bengaluru United earned the point required for promotion after drawing 1-1 with GMSC.
Bengaluru struck early through Lijo K, who glanced home a near-post header in the fourth minute following a well-worked move down the right flank.
GMSC gradually settled into the contest and found their equaliser immediately after halftime when Shravan Shetty reacted quickest after Kean Lewis’ free-kick slipped from the goalkeeper’s grasp.
Both teams searched for a decisive goal in the closing stages, but disciplined defending and composed goalkeeping ensured the points were shared. The draw proved enough for FC Bengaluru United to secure promotion on goal difference ahead of United SC, while GMSC survived relegation after finishing above NEROCA FC.
