As the race to make it to the Group A heats up, the Phase 1 of Hero I-League all set for a dramatic end. Four teams have confirmed their places in the top six but one point separate three teams vying for the remaining two.

Churchill Brothers (19 pts), Real Kashmir (17 pts), Gokulam Kerala (16 pts) and Roundglass Punjab FC (15 pts) already booked their place in the top six. TRAU FC (13 pts), Mohammedan Sporting Club (13 pts) and Aizawl FC (12 pts) will be fighting it out for the two remaining spots. Mohammedan currently ranked sixth, owing to an inferior head-to-head record with TRAU.

As far as qualification chances are concerned, TRAU and Mohammedan do not have to depend on other results, if they can get the three points against Real Kashmir and Sudeva Delhi FC respectively.

Aizawl, on the other hand, will need to secure all three points in their last match against Chennai City FC and and hope that either one of TRAU or Mohammedan drop points if not both. Nonetheless, TRAU or Mohammedan’s win will anyway leave Yan Law’s charges empty-handed irrespective of the result in Kalyani Municipal Stadium.

However, things would get rather interesting, if all three teams finish on the same number of points. With the Head-to-head rule coming into place in such cases, TRAU and Aizawl have the upper hand over the Black Panthers.

If TRAU and Mohammedan were to lose their respective matches, and if Aizawl gets a draw, then it becomes a direct head-to-head between three teams, in which case, TRAU and Aizawl will edge ahead in lieu of a better head-to-head record taking all three teams into consideration.

Should TRAU or Mohammedan draw their match they will have to wait for the result of the Aizawl’s match to learn their fate.

(Mohammedan Sporting Club)