East Bengal End 22-Year Wait, Lift Maiden ISL Crown In Dramatic Finale

The long wait is finally over for East Bengal FC . After more than two decades of heartbreak, near misses, and endless hope from one of Indian football’s most passionate fan bases, the famous Kolkata club lifted their maiden Indian Super League title on Thursday night in a dramatic finale that will be remembered for years.

In front of a roaring crowd at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan , East Bengal defeated Inter Kashi 2-1 to script one of the most emotional triumphs in the club’s storied history. The victory not only secured their first-ever ISL crown but also ended a 22-year wait for a top-tier league title.

The atmosphere in Kolkata carried the tension of a championship decider from the opening whistle. With five teams still mathematically alive in the title race heading into the final round, every goal across the league mattered. East Bengal knew a win would guarantee glory, but Inter Kashi refused to make the night easy.

The visitors stunned the home crowd in the 15th minute when Alfred produced a superb first-time finish to put Inter Kashi ahead. For a moment, silence swept across the stadium as memories of past disappointments threatened to return. East Bengal pushed relentlessly for an equaliser before halftime but wasted several opportunities under pressure.

The breakthrough finally arrived shortly after the restart. Star striker Youssef Ezzejjari , who had earlier missed chances in the game, redeemed himself in the 50th minute with a composed finish that reignited belief among the supporters. The Moroccan-born forward, who finished the season with 11 goals in 13 matches to win the Golden Boot , once again proved why he had been East Bengal’s most reliable attacking force this season.

With momentum firmly on their side, East Bengal continued to attack, and the decisive moment came in the 73rd minute. Mohammed Rashid calmly slotted home the winner, triggering scenes of celebration both on the pitch and in the stands.

Elsewhere, arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Sporting Club Delhi 2-1, while Mumbai City FC overcame Punjab FC 2-0. But East Bengal’s superior goal difference ensured the trophy would belong to the famous Red and Gold brigade .

The triumph carries immense emotional significance for the club and its supporters. East Bengal last won a top-flight league title in the 2003-04 National Football League season under the late Subhash Bhowmick . Since then, generations of fans had waited to see their club reclaim its place at the summit of Indian football.

This season’s ISL adopted a shortened single-leg format without playoffs, meaning the league topper would be crowned outright champions. In a season filled with twists, pressure, and fierce competition, East Bengal held their nerve when it mattered most.

On a historic Kolkata night drenched in emotion, the Red and Gold flag flew highest once again.