The rebranded Indian Football League opens its 2025–26 season with Namdhari FC facing Aizawl FC and Chanmari FC taking on Gokulam Kerala FC in a double-header.
The home side had their second position in the points table behind champions Mohammedan Sporting secured even before they took the field to play their concluding match.
Churchill Brothers routed Rajasthan United 7-0 in their I-League encounter at Tilak Maidan on April 10, 2024.
Inter Kashi ended their I-League 2023-24 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Kalyani Stadium here on Monday.
Mohammedan Sporting defeated Shillong Lajong 2-1 here on Saturday to claim their maiden I-League title. But coach Andrey Chernyshov said they would love to lift the historic trophy in front of their home fans in Kolkata after their final match of the 2023-24 season.
East Bengal are also desperate to join the Indian Super League (ISL) for which a hefty franchise fee is required to be paid.
ATK, however, would compete in the AFC Cup as a merged team with Mohun Bagan who have sealed the berth by clinching the I-League title.
The match was significant as the battle for the second spot is getting closer with each round.
Following their thrilling 4-3 win over Punjab FC, Gift Raikhan opted for just one change - a straight swap at the back with Manjit Sharma replacing Rojen Meetei.
Banerjee proposed that the derby be postponed, but Dutta told the Chief Minister that AIFF President Praful Patel has already declared that all remaining I-League matches would be played in empty stadia.
