Mohammedan Sporting’s long wait to win their maiden I-League title ended on Saturday at the SSA Stadium in Shillong when they defeated Shillong Lajong FC 2-1. The teams were locked 1-1 at half-time.

Mohammedan Sporting, thus secured promotion to next season’s ISL, provided they meet the licensing criteria. They will be the third team from the city, along with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal, to play in the country’s No.1 league.

“A great feeling,” said Mohammedan Sporting’s Russian coach Andrey Chernyshov.

They now have an unassailable 52 points from 23 matches.

Alexis Nahuel Gomez scored in the very first minute for the new champions, while Douglas Rosa Tardin equalised in the 15th minute. Evgeni Kozlov scored the winner in the second half.

The equation was simple. Mohammedan Sporting needed one point to secure their maiden I-League title.

Argentine forward Gomez produced a moment of magic in the first minute itself, when he spotted Lajong keeper Neitho Chalieu off his line, and chopped it goalwards from just inside the halfway mark. The ball sailed over the goalkeeper’s head and nestled into the net.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee and sports minister Aroop Biswas congratulated the team.