Mohammedan Sporting Crowned I-League Champions, To Get Promotion To ISL

Century plus old Mohammedan Sporting Club on Saturday clinched their maiden I-League title after they beat Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in their penultimate match, a result which also promoted them to the top-tier Indian Super League. Alexis Gomes put Mohammedan Sporting in the front in the first minute of the game itself before the home side's Douglas Tardin restored parity in the 15th minute. Evgeni Kozlov scored the decisive goal for Mohammedan Sporting in the 62nd minute.

With the win, Mohammedan Sporting have secured 52 points from 23 matches with one game left to play. They are eight points ahead of second-placed Sreenidi Deccan (44 points from 22 matches). Sreenidi Deccan cannot catch Mohammedan Sporting even if they win both their remaining matches.

The Kolkata side's road to the I-League title was made easier after NEROCA FC held Sreenidi Deccan FC to a 1-1 draw here on Thursday.

If Mohammedan Sporting are found to fulfil the Indian Club Licensing Premier 1 criteria, three Kolkata teams will play in the ISL, the country's top-tier league, next season. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are the other two teams from Kolkata.

Exuding confidence about meeting all the required criteria to play the ISL, president of the club Amiruddin Bobby said they are gearing to join the top tier league next season.

This also completes a golden treble for the Big Three of the Maidan as the season as the season witnessed East Bengal winning the Super Cup, followed by Mohun Bagan's Durand Cup triumph. They are also in the running for the ISL Shield and title.

"First of all, we thank the supporters, our Russian coach (Andrey Chernyshov) and officials for believing in this team, This has been a historic journey for us, we also thank our Chief