The snakes and ladders game for the Kolkata Super Division league title saw another twist on Saturday when Mohammedan Sporting held Mohun Bagan 1-1 and East Bengal got past Mohammedan AC 2-0 in Super Six encounters.
Mohun Bagan lost the advanatage of an early strike by Monitombi Singh, as Iqbal Shahnawaz drew parity for Sporting minutes before the final whistle, in a mediocre match at the Salt Lake stadium.
In the other match, after a barren opening half, Bijen Singh (52nd minute) and Sasthi Duley (87th minute) found the target to ensure three points for East Bengal on their home ground.
Leaders East Bengal now have 38 points, two more than arch-rivals and closest challengers Mohun Bagan.
As per league rules, if the difference between the top two sides is not more than three points, then the championship is decided through a play-off.
Both teams now have a match left.
The match between Bagan and Sporting saw the former go ahead in the 11th minute, when Monitombi unleashed a snap rasping right-footer from 30 yards which went into the net off the hand of Sporting goalkeeper Bibas Ghosh.
Bagan got several other chances during the course of play, but could not boost their scoreline due to inept finishing.
But the game took a dramatic turn in the 88th mintue when Iqbal Shahnawaz, receiving a long pass, spectacularly volleyed into the Bagan goal to snatch the equaliser for Mohammedan Sporting.
