Diamond Harbour FC and SAT Tirur Among Teams Advancing to I-League 3 Final Round

After 50 matches across India in the 2024-25 I-League 3 Group Stage, ten teams have advanced to the final round, including Diamond Harbour FC and SAT Tirur. The final round will take place from September 20 to 30, with the top two teams from each group earning promotion to I-League 2.

After 50 matches in five venues across India in the 2024-25 I-League 3 Group Stage—the second season of the fourth-tier league—ten teams have advanced to the final round. The qualified teams are Diamond Harbour FC (Group A winners), SAT Tirur (Group A runners-up), Sesa FA (Group B winners), Dalbir FA (Group B runners-up), Chanmari FC (Group C winners), MYJ-GMSC (Group C runners-up), KLASA FC (Group D winners), Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (Group D runners-up), Abbas Union FC (Group E winners), and Downtown Heroes FC (Group E runners-up). The Final Round will take place from September 20 to 30.

Home favorites Diamond Harbour FC faced a minor setback with a 1-2 loss to Sports Odisha but secured Group A's top spot with victories over Ghaziabad City FC, Lakecity FC, and SAT Tirur. Thanks to Naro Hari Shrestha's four goals, they led the group. The group runner-up position was decided by a lot draw between SAT Tirur and Lakecity FC, who were tied on goal difference and goals scored. SAT Tirur edged out due to Adheeb Basheer's crucial late goal in a match against Diamond Harbour.

In Group B, held in Goa, Sesa FA topped the group after a slow start with draws but secured narrow wins over Garhwal Heroes FC and Dalbir FA. Dalbir FA also made it through despite an initial 0-3 loss to Kerala United. In Group C, Chanmari FC were the only team with a perfect record, scoring 12 goals in total. MYJ-GMSC grabbed the runner-up spot narrowly over HAL SC. Group D saw KLASA FC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC advancing with a combined 28 goals. Group E hosts Downtown Heroes FC ensured their progression, joined by Abbas Union FC, who achieved top spot following a three-game winning streak.

The Final Round of the 2024-25 I-League 3 will kick off on September 20, culminating on September 30. The 10 teams will be divided into two groups of five, facing each other in a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will earn promotion to the 2024-25 I-League 2, with the two group winners contesting the final to be crowned I-League 3 champions. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)