Kalyani (West Bengal): Delhi Football Club on Friday clinched the I-League 2 title and secured promotion to the higher-tier Indian Football League (IFL) after playing out a 1-1 draw against United SC here.
FC Bengaluru United also became the second side to be promoted to IFL after playing out an identical 1-1 draw with GMSC, Mumbai in Mumbai. GMSC avoided relegation from the I-League 2 with the draw.
IFL is the second-tier club competition in the country after Indian Super League.
At the Kalyani Stadium, Delhi FC rallied from a goal down to take a crucial one point. United Sports Club took the lead in the 54th minute through Susovan Ghosh before Himanshu Jangra found the equaliser in the 67th minute to hand one point to Delhi SC.
At the Neville D’Souza Ground in Mumbai, FC Bengaluru United went ahead in the fourth minute which was, however, cancelled by GMSC through a 47th minute strike from GMSC’s Shravan Shetty.
FC Bengaluru United and United SC both finished the season on 15 points, but the Bengaluru outfit secured promotion courtesy of goal difference, while United SC’s wait for a return to the second tier extended to 12 years.
GMSC, who began the day in the relegation spot with four points, earned the vital point needed to move to five points, level with NEROCA FC. However, a superior head-to-head record ensured the Mumbai side stayed in I-League 2.
