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Ambernath United Atlanta FC from Maharashtra have been at the very top of every competition they have competed in. They won the MFA Elite Premier League title (2021-22 season) in their very first year of inception and followed it up by winning the prestigious Harwood Champions League rounding off a double winning season. Ambernath United Atlanta FC were able to defend their Elite Premier League title (2022-23 season) to make it back to back titles in the top division in Mumbai. As a result of this they have now been nominated into the Second Division League, the third tier of the Indian Football League system where in they will represent Maharashtra as they look set to make their debut.
As we head into the 15th edition of the Second Division League and the very first I-League 2 since rebranding it as the third tier of the Indian Football League system. The break up of this 20 is, 12 state league champions along with 6 ISL reserve teams and 2 winner teams from the qualification round.
The 19 participating clubs have been divided into four groups, Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D.
Group A: Techtro Swades United FC (Himachal Pradesh), Jagat Singh Palahi FC (Punjab), Mumbai City FC (R) (Maharashtra), Downtown Heroes FC (Jammu & Kashmir), Delhi FC (New Delhi)
Group B: Shillong Lajong FC, The Diamond Rock, United SC, East Bengal FC (R)
Group C: Bengaluru FC (R), Golden Threads, RKM FA, Chennaiyin FC (R), FC Bengaluru United
Group D: ARA FC, Dempo SC, Ambernath United Atlanta FC, FC Goa (R), Hyderabad FC (R)
Four group winners from their respective groups go straight to the final round. The four best second placed teams will battle it out and one of them will join the four group winners into the final round. The top 2 in the final round gain promotion to the I-League 2023-24. The other three will qualify for the final round of qualification for Second Division League.
Ambernath United Atlanta FC will make their debut in the Second Division League this season. Having had a remarkable season in the Elite Premier league last time around, they won the title in dominant fashion without losing a single match. Representing Maharashtra in the Second Division League competition they set their sight on promotion to the I-League next season.
Fixtures
19-Mar-2023: Ambernath United Atlanta FC vs Hyderabad FC (R) – Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai – 4.30pm
25-Mar-2023: Ambernath United Atlanta FC vs ARA FC – Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai – 4.30pm
30-Mar-2023: FC Goa (R) vs Ambernath United Atlanta FC – Nagoa Panchayat Ground, Goa – 4pm
02-Apr-2023: Dempo FC vs Ambernath United Atlanta FC – Dempo Academy Ground, Goa – 4pm
07-Apr-2023: Ambernath United Atlanta FC vs FC Goa (R) – Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai – 4.30pm
11-Apr-2023: Ambernath United Atlanta FC vs Dempo SC – Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai – 4.30pm
20-Apr-2023: Hyderabad FC (R) vs Ambernath United Atlanta FC – Bangalore Football Stadium
27-Apr-2023: ARA FC vs Ambernath United Atlanta FC – Shahibaug Police Stadium, Ahmedabad
The schedule of eight matches pretty much follows the same pattern of two home matches followed by two away matches. Ambernath United Atlanta FC face a tough challenge in Group D from two ISL reserve teams in Hyderabad FC and FC Goa. Dempo SC have been I-league giants and are well-known for their football academy wherein they have produced some of the best talent in the country. ARA FC have enjoyed a lot of domestic success in Gujarat and are also in the mix to qualify for the next round from Group D.
