THE CLUB FROM MANIPUR LIFTED the title of the 2nd division with a game in hand. In the penultimate match of the final stage of the competition, Neroca needed to beat Lonestar Kashmir Football Club in order to ensure the title win. They did just that with a thumping 1-4 victory.
Neroca are a club from Imphal, Manipur who made their debut in the I-League 2nd division in the 2015-16 season. The winners of the I-League second division are promoted to the I-League which is the top division of Indian football. One team from the I-League is relegated from the I-League to the 2nd division of the I-League and this season it was Mumbai FC who got relegated from the I-League.
Neroca player, Arata Izumi shared a post expressing the joy in team dressing room after the win
Neroca FC would be the third team from the NorthEast in the I-league. Aizawl FC and Shillong Lajong FC from Mizoram and Meghalaya respectively are the other two team in the I-League.
While the status of the I-League being the top division is under a huge turmoil owing to the I-League and Indian Super League merger being on the cards, Neroca are eligible to gain a promotion from the second highest league highest league competition of the country.