USFC draws into history with first division I-League promotion

BECOMES FIRST SIKKIMESE CLUB TO DO SO, COMES OUT ON TOP IN THE SECOND DIVISION AS WELL
GANGTOK, 17 April: The handsome number of fans who turned up at Paljor Stadium today were treated to history being made as Bhaichung’s United Sikkim Football Club [USFC] held its nerve to hold Mohammedan Sporting to a 1-1 draw and with the one point it so collected, winning a promotion into first division I-League. What is more, drawing level with ONGC [the other team qualifying into the senior division] on points [22 each], USFC also topped the league having beaten ONGC in an earlier meeting. This is a substantial achievement, coming as it does within a year of Bhaichung having rejuvenated the club with a new management model and professional handling.
When the final whistle blew, confirming that USFC had made history by becoming the first club from Sikkim, in fact the entire region, to break into the first division, the entire stadium erupted in joy even as the downcast Mohammedan Sporting squad fouled the air challenging the referees and fourth officials. But that was swamped out by celebration which took over Paljor Stadium today. Fans had come in not just from Gangtok and the surrounding areas but even driven in from Gyalshing and Namchi. There were also some long-time Bhaichung fans from Kolkata in the stands today.
This was USFC’s second showing at the League.
The last match of the Gangtok leg was crucial for both teams – Mohammedan Sporting needing a win to return to the first division and USFC getting through, as happened, with a draw.
It was a special day and an important match with even the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling arriving as chief guest and spending time with both teams before the kick-off.
The home club came out on the ground with full support of the local crowd, especially students. The stadium was packed with spectators cheering for the local club till the final whistle of the match. Both teams played their hearts out right from the start.
Towards the end of the first half, a golden opportunity presented itself for USFC from a clear foul by a Mohammedan Sporting defender inside the penalty area. The penalty was converted by Daniel Bidemi Ayeni. However, this decision of the referee was protested by the Mohammedan Sporting players and the match witnessed some heated moments.
USFC could not keep the lead for long as Alfred Jaryan scored the equalizer for Mohammedan SC in the second half of the match. The match continued to play out to aggressive attacks and counter attacks but both teams missed the net a number of times and the match finally ended in a 1-1 draw.
Speaking to media persons after the match, an elated Bhaichung, who played the final 30 minutes of the match, said that he is very excited about the club’s qualification in the senior division I-League. He added that it was his dream to be in the I-League and the team has made this dream come true this year.
Bhaichung expressed his gratitude towards the club’s fans and local crowd for supporting the team and especially thanked the Chief Minister for encouraging the team with his presence today. He added that he will now visit every school to thank the students for supporting the club.
Likewise, USFC Coach, Philippe De Ridder, expressed satisfaction on the team’s performance and added that he will now prepare the team for a good performance in the first division I-League. USFC co-owner and CEO of Dubai based company, Fidelis World, Ananth Krishnan, stated that it is a dream come true to play in the senior division I-League within barely a year of the club’s debut in the I-League. He added that the dream continues with the aim to be the best team in the I-League.
Aizwal FC captain, David Lalrinmaura was awarded the Best Player trophy during the prize distribution ceremony.