Mohammedan Sporting held East Bengal 1-1 in their last match of the Calcutta Football League (CFL) here on Tuesday.

They had already earned the title, making it two on the trot. Last season they had won the CFL after a gap of 40 years. This season, they remained unbeaten.

Vivek Singh had taken the red-and-gold brigade ahead in the first half. But Faslu Rahman scored to draw level and ensure title victory for Mohammedan Sporting.

“I want to win every match, but that’s not always possible. We became champions two days back and to motivate the players after that becomes difficult. However, they gave their all and I’m happy,” said coach Andrey Chernyshov.

“Winning the CFL was important for our fans. Our ultimate aim is to win the I-League and then go on to play the ISL through whatever procedure AIFF deems correct,” former player and current team manager Dipendu Biswas said.

Mohammedan Sporting will kick off their I-League season against Gokulam Kerala FC on November 12.

I-League begins on Nov 12

New Delhi: The 2022-23 I-League season will kick off on November 12 in Malappuram, Kerala, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Tuesday.

In the opening match, defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC will face last season’s runners-up Mohammedan Sporting.

The last two seasons saw the league being played from within the confines of the bio bubble, as all the matches were played in Calcutta, Kalyani and Naihati in Bengal. With the Covid-19 restrictions lifted, all 12 clubs are set to play in 13 venues across the country.

Gokulam Kerala will play six of their home matches at the Payannad Stadium in Malappuram while the other five will be played at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode.

The Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar will also make its I-League debut, with Real Kashmir FC shifting to the venue. Mohammedan Sporting will operate from the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Calcutta and Churchill Brothers FC from the Bambolim Stadium, Goa.

PTI