Gangtok: United Sikkim Football Club qualified for next edition's I-League after they played out a 1-1 draw against Kolkata's Mohammedan Sporting in Gangtok on Tuesday.
The result enabled USFC to finish on 22 points from 12 outings and top the group standings in the final phase of the second division league, which was played in two phases - in Siliguri and Gangtok.
ONGC had earlier qualified on Monday.
USFC surged into the lead in the 42nd minute when Daniel Bidami converted from the spot. Changing over, Mohammedan pulled one back as striker Alfred Jaryan made it 1-1 in the 59th minute. Spurred after getting the equalizer, Mohammedan went all out on the attack. However, much to the jubilation of the crowd, USFC held fort.
Mohammedan Sporting finished on 21 points from 12 outings.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who came on as a substitute in the second half, lauded his team's battling performance. "It was a challenge for us and the boys responded well," he said.
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