The Hero I-League 2 group stage was a thrilling affair as 19 sides faced off for a place in next season’s Hero I-League. After 72 matches and 48 days we finally have our top 5 sides. Four group winners and a best second placed side amongst the four groups make our top 5 sides that will be ready for a final battle. Top 2 sides in the table will be promoted to the Hero I-League 2023-24 season. The other three teams will be in contention for qualification to the Hero I-League 2 final round.
Delhi FC, United SC, FC Bengaluru United, Ambernath United Atlanta FC qualified for the final round as Group winners. Shillong Lajong were the best second placed team of all the groups and hence made it to the final round. The final round is scheduled for five match-days between 6th May 2023 to 26th May 2023. Here are the fixtures for the final round
6 May 2023: Shillong Lajong v United, Venue: SC SSA Stadium
6 May 2023: FC Bengaluru United v Delhi FC, Venue: Bangalore Football Stadium
11 May 2023: Delhi FC v Shillong Lajong, Venue: Minerva Academy Ground
11 May 2023: Ambernath United Atlanta v FC Bengaluru United, Venue: Cooperage Ground
16 May 2023:United SC v Delhi FC, Venue: Kalyani Stadium
16 May 2023: Ambernath United Atlanta v Shillong Lajong, Venue: Cooperage Ground
21 May 2023: Shillong Lajong v FC Bengaluru United, Venue: SSA Stadium
21 May 2023: United SC v Ambernath United Atlanta, Venue: Kalyani Stadium
26 May 2023: FC Bengaluru United v United SC, Venue: Bangalore Football Stadium
26 May 2023: Delhi FC v Ambernath United Atlanta, Venue: Minerva Academy Ground
Every side will compete four times in the final round with two home and two away fixtures. The criteria for qualification is the points column. But in case there is a tie on points and other overheads, the following tie-breaker rules will be followed. Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head goals scored; 5) goal difference; 6) number of goals scored; 7) fair play ranking; 8) drawing of lots.
Which two teams do you think will gain promotion to the Hero I-League season 2023-24?
