KOLKATA: Evgeniy Kozlov - the former Russian U-21 forward who joined the side in the January transfer window - took off his shirt, spread his arms and started running towards the touchline. With his teammates rushing towards him to join in celebration, the 28-year-old let out a roaring cry with fists clenched - "Yes!"
Kozlov's left-footed pile-driver at the SSA ground in Shillong on Saturday had an impact of seismic magnitude in Indian domestic football. It sealed Mohammedan Sporting's 2-1 win over hosts Lajong FC and along with it the coveted I-League crown. It is also set to mark a new era in Indian football as Mohammedan Sporting have now secured promotion to the Indian Super League, provided they meet the required club licensing criteria and becoming the third team from Kolkata to play in the country's new top league after Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC.
