United Sikkim FC has secured a spot in the 1st Division I-League after holding Mohammedan Sporting Club to 1-1 draw at Gangtok’s Paljor Stadium on Wednesday. USFC will be the first club not only from Gangtok, but also from the state of Sikkim to play in India’s top flight next season.

United Sikkim FC finished the 2nd Divison I-League season at the top of the table with 22 points out of 12 matches. Nigerian Ayeni Bidemi Daniel put the home side in front from a spotkick in the 42nd minute. Mohammedan Sporting levelled the score through Alfred K. Jaryan in the 59th minute and they had hopes to score one more goal, which would have granted the Kolkata-side promotion to the 1st Division. But USFC managed to keep the Kolkatans away from their danger area and registered the vital draw.

Former legendary India skipper Baichung came on for the hosts in the second half and he was full of praise for his team.

“It was a challenge for us and the boys responded well,” Baichung, who also happens to be the founder of UFSC, told.

Football fans in Gangtok and Sikkim are now looking forward to witness some top league football in the next season.