Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Kalyani/Mumbai, May 16: Delhi Football Club were crowned champions of the I-League 2 2025-26 season and secured promotion to the Indian Football League 2026-27 after battling to a 1-1 draw against United SC at the Kalyani Stadium on Friday.
In another decisive encounter played simultaneously at the Neville D’Souza Ground in Mumbai, FC Bengaluru United also earned promotion after holding GMSC to a 1-1 draw. The result not only sealed Bengaluru’s place in the higher division but also helped GMSC avoid relegation.
GMSC entered the final round in danger of dropping to I-League 3, but the crucial draw lifted them to five points, level with NEROCA FC. The Mumbai side survived due to a superior head-to-head record.
At the top end of the standings, FC Bengaluru United and United SC both finished with 15 points, but Bengaluru secured promotion on the basis of a better goal difference, extending United SC’s long wait for a return to the second tier to 12 years.
At Kalyani Stadium, United SC began aggressively in front of their home supporters, with M. Sreenath, M. Arunlal, Sumay Shome and Md. Amil Naim creating early pressure on the Delhi FC defence. Midfielders Bickey Thapa and Prasanta Das controlled possession effectively, while Amil tested the goalkeeper with a long-range effort.
United SC continued to threaten through quick movement and coordinated attacking play. Amil and Sumay combined dangerously on multiple occasions, but Delhi goalkeeper Lalmuansanga produced a series of important saves to keep the contest level before halftime.
After a goalless opening half, United SC finally broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute from a corner kick. Susovan Ghosh, who had earlier rattled the crossbar, rose highest to power home a header and hand the hosts a crucial lead.
Delhi FC responded strongly and equalised in the 66th minute through league top scorer Himanshu Jangra. A clever through ball from Akash Tirkey released Samson Keishing, who squared the ball perfectly for Jangra to tap into an empty net.
Needing a victory to keep their promotion hopes alive, United SC pushed forward relentlessly in the closing stages but failed to find the decisive goal. Delhi FC nearly snatched a winner themselves, but Himanshu’s effort was denied by the goalkeeper.
The final whistle confirmed Delhi FC as I-League 2 champions and secured their return to the Indian Football League.
Meanwhile in Mumbai, FC Bengaluru United made a dream start when Lijo scored in just the fourth minute. The move began with Lalramdinsanga Ralte’s pass down the right flank before Shunjanthan Ragui delivered a precise cross that Lijo guided into the net with a near-post header.
GMSC gradually settled into the match and created several opportunities, with Kean Lewis proving influential on the left wing. Their best chance of the first half came through Advait Ashok Shinde, but his shot lacked power and was comfortably saved.
The hosts equalised shortly after halftime when Kean Lewis delivered a dangerous free-kick that slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands, allowing substitute Shravan Shetty to score from close range in the 47th minute.
Both sides searched for a winner in the final stages, with Bengaluru attempting to dominate possession while GMSC looked dangerous on counter-attacks. However, disciplined defending and strong goalkeeping ensured the scores remained level.
The draw was enough for FC Bengaluru United to finish second and secure promotion to the Indian Football League, while GMSC successfully retained their place in I-League 2 by narrowly avoiding relegation.