Thus, both Mehrajuddin Wadoo's Mohammedan Sporting and Caetano Pinho's former I-League champions finished on 26 points, but Aizawl got the seventh position because of a better head-to-head record. Their win over the Kolkata side on Republic Day in Aizawl proved to be decisive
After a long time, Mohammedan Sporting was the better team in all aspects. They had the lion's share of ball possession (61 per cent) and all their changes worked.
On an evening when they went in as favourites, Mohammedan Sporting head coach Kibu Vicuna picked a starting XI devoid of a specialist striker -- the unavailability of Abiola Dauda forcing his hand.
Theko Hriivei Carlos Pao ultimately gave Sudeva the lead with just four minutes of regulation time left. After scoring, Sudeva Delhi looked to run down the clock but was stunned by an equaliser in injury time. Faslurahaman sent a cross into the box, which was beautifully collected by Abiola
Mohammedan Sporting took the early lead thanks to captain Marcus Joseph's great long-range strike before Azfar Noorani equalised for Mumbai Kenkre at the stroke of half-time.