Kolkata outfit Mohammedan Sporting's hope to avoid relegation was dashed when they went down 0-2 to Goan outfit Vasco Football Club in an eighth National Football League match in Margao on Saturday.
After a barren first half, Vasco, who were unlucky not to score in the first session, scored through substitutes K N Ajayan (80th) and Amaechi Tochukwu (injury time).
Vasco who finished their league engagements moved to sixth place in the league standings with 28 points from 22 matches.
Mohammedan, who are one point behind Tollygunge Agragami with just 18 points from 21 matches, now play their last match against Dempo Sports Club on May 14.
If Mohammedan beats Dempo they will stay in the premier league only if Tollygunge lose to Mahindra United on the same day at Mumbai.