Sreenidi Deccan FC's slender hopes of winning the I-league title suffered another setback when they were held to a 1-1 draw by NEROCA FC in Shilong on Thursday.
The draw meant that Mohammedan Sporting need just a draw against Shillong Lajong FC in their penultimate match here on Saturday to become the I-League champ꧋ions and get a promotion to the Indian Super League.
Waikhom Rohit Meetei scored in the 70th minute for NEROCA FC off a penalty, while David Castaneda Munoz drew parity in the 82nd minute after Sreenidi were also awarded a penalty🌸.
Following the draw at the SSA Stadium, Sreenidi are on 44 points and trail leaders Mohammedan Sporting by five points.
Mohammedan Sporting need just a point from their remaining two games toဣ lift the trophy, while Sreenidi would not just have to win their fixture🐭s but also hope Mohammedan lose both their remaining games.
Down to 10 men in the first half, NEROCA took a shock second-half lead and then🔴 defended valiantly to hold Sreenidi.
Both sides were denied by the woodwork in the first half. The best chance of the half thou🎃gh fell to Sreenidi's William de Oliveira, who had scored a brace in his p🅘revious start.
The Brazilian h🌃ad only the goalkeeper to beat afte♐r getting a through ball from inside the box but he blazed it high.
Despite Sreenidi overwhelming 🐈the hosts with their attacking game, NEROCA did well to create openings at the break. A flurry of chances opened up for both teams as the half came to a clꦉose.
The game settled into a pattern in the second half, with Sreenidi dominating 🐽possession but NEROCA's low block defence restricted any chances in the final third.
The game turned on its head in the 70th minute when Jagdeep Singh f🐭ouled Lourembam David Singh inside the🧸 box. NEROCA, who were reduced to 10 men earlier, took the lead when Meetei slotted home the penalty.
With 🎃Sreenidi's title hopes dimming, Carlos Vaz Pinto threw on all hiꦿs attackers in the search for a goal.
In 🌺the 81st, substitute Castaneda was fouled inside the box by Bodo and the striker put🍰 away the subsequent spot kick to draw Sreenidi level.
