CALCUTTA (India): Mohammedan Sporting will play their home matches of 2019-20 2nd Division League at Sailen Manna Stadium in Howrah.
Mohammedan, who won the Sikkim Governors Gold Cup this season, started their 2nd Division League campaign with a 3-0 win over Bhawanipore FC on January 25.
The century-old club are with Chennayin FC (reserves), Bengaluru FC (reserves), and Hyderabad FC (reserves) in Group B.
They next face Bengaluru FC on January 11.
The 8000 capacity stadium recently hosted two major tournaments — 2018 Santosh Trophy and 2019 Durand Cup.
ATK Reserves also used the venue as it’s home ground for the 2018-19 2nd Division League.
The club initially planned to use their own and East Bengal grounds as home venue, but forced to change their decision due to logistical problem.
“We tried hard to ensure that we play the home games at our home ground, which makes it easier for our fans . However, due to things that are beyond our control we had to go for an alternative venue,” said club’s general manager Wasim Akram.
A total of 18 teams comprising of reserve teams of eight Indian Super League clubs (Except Northeast United FC and Odisha FC) and two I-League clubs (Punjab FC and Indian Arrows) are competing in the preliminary rounds.
The 2nd Division was introduced in 2008 season after having been previously known as the National Football League 2nd Division.
Mohammedan eye promotion after 2013
In that same year, Mohammedan earned promotion to the top tier I-League along with Mumbai, Vasco and Chirag United.
The black and white brigade, who are well past their prime, once again qualified for the top league in 2013 season.
The winners of each group along with the best second-placed team between Group A and C would qualify for the final round.
However, if reserve teams of ISL clubs finish as winners or runners-up in any group, the position will be passed on to the next non-ISL team.
