Kolkata: Mohammedan Sporting kept their hopes of defending the CFL Premier Division title alive, holding Suruchi Sangha 2-2 in a rescheduled match at the Naihati stadium on Thursday.
The match between the sides was initially held at the same venue a week earlier but could not be continued after half-time because of inclement weather and waterlogged conditions at the ground.
Suruchi Sangha were leading 2-1 at that time.
Mohammedan Sporting needed to avoid a defeat to stay in contention for making the championship round (Super Six stage).
As the match resumed after the break on Thursday, the three-time defending champions went on the offensive immediately and Lalthankima scored in the 68th minute to make it 2-2. Although Mohammedan Sporting continued dominating the proceedings, they could not find the elusive winner.
Diamond Harbour FC — who defeated Patha Chakra 2-1 in the day’s other match — finished as Group A winners with 32 points from 12 matches. Suruchi Sangha (21 points) and Mohammedan Sporting (19 points) occupy the top three positions in the group — the pre-requisite for the teams to make the Super 6 stage.
Kidderpore SC, who finished their group engagements with 4-2 victory over Wari AC — are also on 19 points, but Mohammedan Sporting have a better goal difference and have a game in hand. With United SC (18 points from 11 games) also breathing down their neck, Mohammedan Sporting have to beat Measurers Club in their final group match to stay alive in the competition.