Second Division League 2022-23
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Second Division League

The Hero 2nd Division League is back in its original format in 2022-23, consisting of a total of 21 teams. The clubs that participate in the competition have gained nomination to the league from their respective State Associations by dint of winning their respective state leagues and Club Licensing processes. Four teams take part in the Hero 2nd Division League Qualifiers in a single round-robin format with the top two sides advancing to the Group Stage.

The Group Stage consists of 19 teams split into three groups of five teams and one group of four teams, playing against each other in a double round-robin format on a home and away basis. The four group winners and the best runners-up qualify for the Hero 2nd Division League Final Round.

In the Final Round, the five teams play each other in a single round-robin format. Each team plays two games each home and away. The top two sides after the conclusion of the Final Round are promoted to the 2023-24 Hero I-League.

Delhi FC defeated Ambernath United Atlanta FC 3-1 to emerge second-division champions and gain promotion to the I-League for the first time on Friday. Playing in their debut second division season, the Mumbai-based Atlanta FC needed a point at the Minerva Academy Ground in Chandigarh to win the title.

The other 2nd Division match between hosts FC Bengaluru United and United SC was a dead rubber, the former ran out 1-0 winners. Irfan Yadwad scored the only goal, thus taking his season’s tally to 13 goals to finish as the league’s top scorer.

Atlanta FC and FC Bengaluru United finished third and fourth respectively with six points each. United SC were bottom of the table with three points.

THE FINAL DRAMA

Ambernath United Atlanta, playing in their debut 2nd Division season, only needed a point at the Minerva Academy Ground in Chandigarh to win the title, but a brace from Bali Gagandeep and an audacious strike from Vanlalhriatzuala scripted a memorable afternoon for Delhi FC.

The capital side had previously made it to the I-League Qualifiers Final Round in 2021 but finished third and missed out on the promotion. However, there was redemption and scenes of pure joy when Delhi FC finally got the job done on Friday and booked their berth in the I-League for the first time ever.

Playing at home in a do-or-die clash, Delhi FC had their foot on the throttle from the get-go. After an opening half-an-hour of sustained pressure, they opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a fine team goal. Skipper Balwant Singh released Fahad Temuri in acres of space down the left wing, and the youngster charged forward before squaring the ball into the box for Bali Gagandeep to side-foot it home at full stretch.

However, Ambernath United Atlanta, who barely threatened in the first half, came out strong after the break and equalised in the 48th minute with a move similar to the Delhi goal. In the visitors' case, it was Johnson Joseph Mathews who delivered a low cross into the middle from the left, and captain Himanshu Patil stuck his foot out to guide the ball into the net for 1-1.
But it wasn't to be the Mumbai side's day, as parity only lasted eight minutes. Gagandeep struck again for Delhi, rising highest in the six-yard box to head in Bhupinder Singh's brilliant delivery from the corner. Although Steven Dias' Ambernath United Atlanta only needed a goal to take pole position again and spoil the hosts' party, they just couldn't find any inspiration in the final third.

Eventually, two minutes from time, Vanlalhriatzuala sealed the deal for Delhi FC with a sensational 35-yard strike, which curled right into the top corner. The 22-year-old had attempted a similar shot in the first half which came off the crossbar, but there was no denying him this time. A top-notch goal to secure the top spot in the table for Delhi FC.

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2nd Division League

SEcond division

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