BANGALORE: Vasco Sports Club’s wait for re-entry into top-flight football just got longer as HAL booked the remaining I-League spot with a draw against Sesa Football Academy, while Vasco too were held by Mohammedan Sporting in their final round matches of the ONGC Second Division league played at the KSFA Stadium, here Monday.

HAL drew 1-1 with Sesa to pocket the point they needed to advance and join the elite of Indian club football. On the other hand, Vasco, who were hoping for a HAL loss and a win against Mohammedans, were also held 1-1 by the Kolkata side. 
A lot was expected from both the teams and they were even cited for their comeback in the top tier of Indian football before the start of the tournament but their ordinary performance left them to pay heavy price as neither of the two were successful in making a comeback in the I-league.
Vasco took the lead through Joel Sequeira in the 35th minute, while Mohammedan skipper Jyothi Kumar levelled terms in the 67th minute. Vasco finished third with 13 points — three points behind HAL on second, while the Kolkata side managed to climb to fourth spot with 10 points.
Earlier in the day, Satish Kumar Jr saved the day for HAL by scoring the equaliser.
HAL had some early nerves as Sesa dominated the opening exchanges. The Goans stunned the Bangalore side as they took an attacking approach right from the outset.
The HAL defence felt the heat and didn’t have good day at the office. Israil Gurung is one of the future prospects for Sesa and his solo effort paved the way for the opener, when Selwyn Fernandes headed in his cross from the right in the 29th minute.
The saviour of the day for the HAL was once again Satish, whose solo effort restored the parity for the home side. Satish picked a pass from the right and dodged past two defenders before placing his left footer superbly at the far post at the stroke of half time (44th minute).
The Garden City boys finished their successful campaign with 16 points from seven matches, while Sesa will seriously need to think about their final round performances as it was their second successive year where, after impressing in the preliminary round, their final round show has been a disaster. The Goan outfit just managed to garner three points from their seven matches.