I-League 3: Teams That Have Advanced for next round

by FC September 11, 2024

As the sun sets on the initial rounds of the I-League 3 2024-25 season, a new dawn of ambition rises for the teams that have battled their way to the next phase. 

In the initial rounds, teams competed in five groups, each playing a round-robin format with single-leg matches. The top two teams from each group are now moving on to the next stage, where the competition will be even tougher.

For them, the journey is just beginning—one that could propel them into the more prestigious level of Indian football, I-League 2.

Following an intense round of group stage matches,These ten teams will be divided into two groups of five and will play four more matches. Each match is crucial, and only the top two teams from each group will earn promotion to the I-League 2.

Playoff matches start on September 20th, with the final set for September 30th. The excitement is building as teams vie for the chance to move up to a higher division.

Qualified Teams Breakdown

Group A: Diamond Harbour FC & SAT Tirur

• Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC): The hosts, DHFC, proved to be the reckoning force, topping the group despite a setback on Matchday 2 against Sports Odisha. With a determined comeback in the following games, DHFC finished with 9 points, securing their place with a solid defensive performance, conceding only 4 goals.
• SAT Tirur: It came down to a fine margin between SAT Tirur and Lake City FC. Both teams were tied on points, goals scored, and goals conceded. SAT Tirur edged out due to a better head-to-head record against Diamond Harbour FC, courtesy of a goal difference advantage in their final matchday against DHFC.

Group B: SESA Football Academy & Dalbir FA

• SESA Football Academy: SESA, another host team, topped Group B with an unbeaten record (2 wins and 2 draws). Their victory against Dalbir FA on the final matchday sealed their spot.
• Dalbir FA: Dalbir FA secured the second qualification spot from Group B, known as the “group of death.” Despite being level on points with Garhwal Heroes FC, they qualified based on a head-to-head win over Garhwal on Matchday 2.

Group C: Chanmari FC & MYJ-GMSC

• Chanmari FC: The hosts from Mizoram, Chanmari FC, put in a dominant performance with a perfect record—4 wins in 4 matches. With a superior venue advantage, the players were well-adapted, securing the top spot in Group C.
• MYJ-GMSC: Entering the final matchday with their hopes hanging by a thread, MYJ-GMSC delivered when it mattered most. They managed to score 5 goals in their final game, and with Chanmari FC defeating HAL SC, they secured qualification with a +7 goal difference advantage, whereas HAL FC had +6 GD.

Group D: Klasa FC & Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC

• Klasa FC: Group D was an absolute goal fest, and Klasa FC was at the center of it. With dominant displays, they finished as group leaders and were unbeaten, including a decisive victory over the hosts, and conceded just 2 goals while scoring 12.
• Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC: Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, as hosts, leveraged home ground support to secure the second qualification spot. They were a formidable force in attack, scoring 16 goals in 4 matches, including an impressive 8-0 victory over Bhuna FC in their last game.
  
  Group E: Abbas Union FC & Downtown Heroes FC
  
• Abbas Union FC: Abbas Union FC secured their qualification early with 3 wins out of 4 matches, finishing at the top of Group E. The team demonstrated a compact style of play, scoring just 4 goals and conceding only 2, grinding out results.
• Downtown Heroes FC: Playing in Srinagar, the hosts, Downtown Heroes FC, needed just a point on the final matchday to secure their playoff berth. A 2-2 draw against Southern Sporting Union was enough to see them through.

With all ten teams confirmed for the playoffs, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the I-League 3 season.

Also Read: MYJ-GMSC and Their Tough Battle for Qualification

Also Read:  MH Oranje FC’s I-League 3 Journey Ends in Disappointment

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