Football in pandemic: Mohammedan Sporting, AIFF have the last laugh

KOLKATA: The I-League qualifiers, the country's first on-field competitive sporting action following the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, concluded successfully on Monday with Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) emerging champions and making their way back into the I-League after seven seasons.
Having already sealed their place in the I-League after three successive victories, MSC could have ended their campaign with an all-win record but a spirited FC Bengaluru United held the black-and-white brigade to a goalless draw at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Both sides created enough chances but neither could find the back of the net.
Besides finishing unbeaten in the tournament, Mohammedan Sporting made the I-League cut for the first time since 2013. Brushing aside the financial crisis due to the pandemic, the club under a new management and revamped squad, accomplished their mission and now has set their sights on I-League glory.
In the day's other match, Bhawanipore signed off with a comfortable 2-0 win over ARA FC at the Kalyani Stadium, thanks to goals from Jiten Murmu and Supriya Pandit.
MSC, therefore, finished on top of the table with 10 points, followed by Bhawanipore (9), Bengaluru United (5), ARA (2) and Garhwal FC (1).
With the qualifiers being held against the backdrop of the pandemic, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had prepared a bio-secure bubble and maintained strict health protocols for the safety of players and support staff.
Although a few players had tested positive, the safety measures taken by AIFF and its successful completion will surely show the way for other sporting events to come later in the year.
Meanwhile, after receiving the champions' trophy, MSC players and team members had a victory march starting from the stadium and concluding at the club ground.
It was also learnt that Mohun Bagan's I-League-winning duo Senegalese striker Papa Babacar Diawara and Spanish midfielder Fran González are in advanced talks with MSC and the deal could be finalized soon.