History was written at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. East Bengal FC defeated Inter Kashi 2-1 in a dramatic final league clash to lift their first-ever Indian Super League title. After going a goal down early in the match through Alfred Planas, the Red and Gold brigade produced a spirited comeback. Youssef Ezzejjari equalised in the 49th minute. Rashid then scored the decisive winner in the 72nd minute. The victory finally ended East Bengal’s painful 22-year wait for a premier national league title.
The atmosphere inside the packed stadium was electric from the very beginning. More than 8,000 East Bengal supporters turned the venue into a sea of red and gold. Emotions were high. Expectations were even higher. Before the match, head coach Oscar Bruzon had asked his players to give everything in the final 90 minutes of the campaign. His squad responded with courage, intensity, and resilience.
The title race had gone right down to the final day. Mohun Bagan Super Giant were also in contention. Sergio Lobera’s side needed East Bengal to drop points while securing a win themselves against SC Delhi at the Salt Lake Stadium. But football had other plans. While East Bengal completed their comeback victory, Mohun Bagan were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw. Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, defeated Punjab FC and climbed to second place. Mohun Bagan eventually slipped to third.
The evening, however, began with an early shock for the home crowd. In the 14th minute, Inter Kashi struck first. Sumit Passi floated in a brilliant long ball from midfield. Alfred Planas timed his run perfectly and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill with composure. Silence spread across the stadium as Inter Kashi took a 1-0 lead.
East Bengal immediately began searching for a response. They attacked relentlessly, especially from the left flank. Bipin Singh looked dangerous every time he moved forward. Cross after cross was delivered into the Inter Kashi penalty area. Youssef Ezzejjari came close to equalising in the first half but blasted his effort over the crossbar from close range. At the other end, Inter Kashi remained threatening on counter-attacks. Prabhsukhan Gill made several important saves to keep East Bengal alive before half-time.
The second half changed everything. East Bengal came out with urgency and desperation. They needed a goal quickly. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 49th minute. Inter Kashi goalkeeper Shubham Dhas committed a costly error while attempting to deal with a loose ball. Ezzejjari reacted instantly. The striker calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 1-1. The goal not only revived East Bengal’s title hopes but also secured Ezzejjari the Golden Boot award for finishing as the league’s top scorer.
But a draw was still not enough. With Mumbai City leading in their own fixture, East Bengal needed all three points to become champions. Oscar Bruzon responded boldly. He pushed more men forward. The pressure kept building. Inter Kashi’s defence began to crack under the constant attacks.
In the 72nd minute, Bipin Singh delivered yet another dangerous cross into the box. Rashid timed his run perfectly and tapped the ball home from close range. The stadium exploded in celebration. Rashid, who scored his first goal of the season at the most important moment possible, sprinted towards the stands and jumped onto the fencing to celebrate with the fans.
The final minutes felt endless for East Bengal supporters. Every clearance was cheered like a goal. Every tackle mattered. Inter Kashi kept fighting for an equaliser, but East Bengal’s defence stood firm under pressure.
And then came the final whistle. Tears flowed freely. Flags waved wildly. The noise inside Kishore Bharati became deafening. For 22 long years, East Bengal supporters had waited to witness their club become champions of India once again. On this unforgettable night, that wait finally ended.
Oscar Bruzon and his players have now etched their names forever into the glorious history of East Bengal Football Club.
