Bhutia's United Sikkim earn I-League ticket

United Sikkim Football Club (USFC) played a 1-1 draw against Kolkata's Mohammedan Sporting in Gangtok to qualify for next edition's I-League.

The result enabled USFC to finish on 22 points from 12 outings and top the group standings of the final phase of the 2nd division league which was played in two phases – in Siliguri and Gangtok.

ONGC had earlier qualified for next edition's I-League on Monday.

USFC surged in the lead in the 42nd minute when Daniel Bidami converted from the spot.

Changing over, Mohammedan pulled it back as striker Alfred Jaryan made it 1-1 in the 59th minute. Spurred, Mohammedan went all out in the attack. But 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 for the performance. "It was a challenge for us and the boys responded well," he said.