I-League Second Division: Meghalaya’s Rangdajied United qualify for 2013-14 I-League

Meghalaya’s Rangdajied United defeated Mohammedan Sporting 3-1 in Bangalore on Saturday to win the 2013 second division and qualify for the 2013-14 I-League. Mohammedan Sporting had already booked their place in Indian football’s top flight and the Kolkata club will be joined by Rangdajied United, who will make their debut in the I-League next season.

This was a must-win clash for Rangdajied United because, had they dropped points, it would have opened the door for Kolkata’s Bhowanipore to qualify with a win over Mumbai Tigers in the day’s other game. But three points against Mohammedan Sporting saw Rangdajied United finish on top of the six-team final phase with 19 points from 10 matches while Mohammedan Sporting finished second with 18.

An own goal from Charles gave Rangdajied United the lead after five minutes before Restom Khriam doubled the advantage before the halftime break. Jerry Zirsanga pulled one back for Mohammedan Sporting in the 83rd minute to give Bhowanipore hope; but two minutes later, Shin Hojun sealed the points and a place in next season’s I-League for Rangdajied United.

Rangdajied United finished fourth in the final phase of the 2011 second division and narrowly missed out on qualification but they will finally appear in the top flight next season.

Despite United Sikkim’s relegation this term, there will be two clubs from the North-East in next season’s I-League, and both will be from Meghalaya as Shillong Lajong will be joined by newly-crowned second division champions Rangdajied United.

Rangdajied United FC General Secretary Karsing Kurbah stayed the happiest man on the pitch after the final whistle blew. Rangdajied had won 3-1 against Mohammedan Sporting.

“I can’t express how happy I am. This has to be the finest hour of the club. We have worked so hard for this day. While we were preparing for the 2^nd Division, I remember not allowing the players to go home for a single day. They obeyed, and today we are reaping the dividends,” Kurbah said.

He continued: “We were almost out of reckoning in Singrauli (Group A venue for the preliminary round). We fought hard. Then in the first round of the final phase too we finished with only four points from five matches. I am glad that we peaked at the right time. I feel so proud.”

The closest Rangdajied came to qualifying for the Elite League was in 2011 when they had finished fourth in the Final Phase and narrowly missed out from the 2011-12 I-League.

“We were one point short. It was heartbreaking. Of the four times we played in the final phase, 2011 was the closest we came. But we always aimed for the top flight. The day has finally arrived. We are going to celebrate a lot tonight,” the General Secretary quipped smiling.

“We have big plans for the I-League. This is what we played for. But for now, we’ll rejoice. It’s euphoric.”