MYJ-GMSC survive relegation as FC Bengaluru United seal I-League promotion

by FC May 15, 2026

The final whistle at the Neville D’Souza Ground in Mumbai brought with it a rare sight — two teams celebrating the same result

For hosts MYJ-GMSC, a hard-fought 1-1 draw against FC Bengaluru United ensured survival in the I-League 2. For the visitors, the same result sealed a long-awaited promotion to the I-League after years of persistence and near misses.

It was a night where everything was at stake, yet both sides knew their fate rested firmly in their own hands. MYJ-GMSC needed only a point to avoid relegation in their debut national division campaign, while FC Bengaluru United required a draw or better to finally secure their place in Indian football’s second tier.

The tension was visible from the opening whistle and Bengaluru United struck early to stun the home crowd. A dangerous delivery into the near post was met perfectly by Lijo, whose glancing header found the back of the net to hand the visitors the lead within the opening minutes.

The goal left MYJ-GMSC rattled. The hosts struggled to cope with Bengaluru United’s intensity and looked nervy in possession for most of the first half. Their touches lacked sharpness and the attacking rhythm was missing, but they managed to stay alive in the contest heading into the break.
One of the few promising moments for the hosts came in the 40th minute. Kean Lewis floated a long diagonal ball towards Shamer on the left flank. The winger cut inside before delivering a teasing cross into the box, where ArvindRaj Rajan connected with a near-post header, only for Bengaluru United’s defence to clear the danger.

Recognising the need for change, MYJ-GMSC made a crucial tactical substitution at halftime by introducing Shravan Shetty — a move that transformed the contest almost instantly.

Just two minutes into the second half, the hosts found their equaliser. Kean Lewis’ free-kick delivery caused confusion inside the six-yard box and after the ball ricocheted into a dangerous area, Shravan reacted quickest to slot home calmly into the bottom-left corner.

The goal completely changed the complexion of the match.
Suddenly, MYJ-GMSC looked sharper, quicker and far more confident in possession. A side that had struggled for consistency throughout the season began to play with renewed belief and urgency.

Their midfield, marshalled by the experienced duo of Advait Shinde and Arvind Raj Rajan, dictated the tempo and threaded passes into the attacking third with authority.
While Youngster Sujal Ghanekar, handed an opportunity only recently, delivered another composed performance in the deeper midfield role. He covered ground tirelessly, won possession repeatedly and distributed the ball efficiently as MYJ-GMSC gained control of the game.

As the clock ticked down, tension around the stadium continued to rise. Every challenge, every clearance and every forward run carried enormous significance. But when the referee finally blew for full time, relief and joy erupted from both camps.

For MYJ-GMSC, it marked survival in their first season at the national level — a reward for resilience under immense pressure. For FC Bengaluru United, it was the culmination of years of ambition and perseverance, as the Bengaluru-based side finally earned promotion to the I-League.

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