Aizawl: Aizawl witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the I-League 2 season as Diamond Harbour FC emerged victorious, defeating home team Chanmari FC 1-0 on April 19th to clinch the league title. However, despite the setback on their home turf, Chanmari FC also celebrated promotion to the I-League, securing a coveted top-two finish in the standings.
Chanmari FC’s promotion was confirmed even before the final whistle in their match, as their closest rivals, Sporting Clube de Goa, stumbled to a 1-1 draw against FC Bengaluru United in a simultaneous fixture held in Bengaluru. This result ensured that Chanmari FC’s points tally remained beyond the reach of the Goan club.
Diamond Harbour FC had already guaranteed their promotion on April 11th, and their victory in Aizawl solidified their championship status. The West Bengal side currently sits atop the league table with an impressive 37 points, having recorded 11 wins and four draws. They will aim to conclude their remarkable season unbeaten when they face Bengaluru United in Naihati on April 26th.
The promotion of Chanmari FC alongside Aizawl FC marks a historic moment for Mizoram football, as it will be the first time that two clubs from the state will compete in the prestigious I-League. Chanmari FC finished their campaign with 30 points from 15 matches, registering nine wins, three draws, and three losses. Sporting Clube de Goa will finish in third place with 26 points.
While the champions and promotion spots have been decided, the battle to avoid relegation will go down to the wire. TRAU FC kept their survival hopes alive with a crucial 3-2 away win against Sports Academy Tirur in Manjeri, Kerala. This hard-fought victory lifted TRAU to eighth place with 12 points, just two points behind NEROCA FC in seventh.
The final round of matches will feature a high-stakes Imphal derby between TRAU and NEROCA FC on April 26th, which will determine the final relegation spot. NEROCA FC will only need a draw to secure their place in the league, while TRAU FC must win to avoid the drop. Bottom-placed KLASA FC have already been relegated.
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