Kolkata, May 22: East Bengal’s long wait of 22 years came to an end on Thursday. In the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26, East Bengal defeated Inter Kashi 2-1 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, securing the championship. The team last won a major title in 2004.
As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted with emotion. Players fell to the ground, fans embraced each other in disbelief, and chants of “East Bengal, East Bengal” filled the arena. Mohammad Rashid became the hero by scoring a crucial goal in the 72nd minute. Earlier, Yusuf Ajjari had equalized in the second half, bringing the score to 1-1 after Alfred Planas had given Inter Kashi a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute.
This victory placed East Bengal at the top of the ISL table with 26 points from 13 matches. Mohun Bagan Super Giant also won their last match against Sporting Club Delhi 2-1, leveling on points, but East Bengal’s superior goal difference ultimately ended their long wait for the National League title.
Initially, home fans appeared tense as Inter Kashi took an early lead. However, East Bengal made a remarkable comeback. Coach Oscar Bruzon’s team started aggressively, with Ajjari and Miguel Figuera testing Inter Kashi’s defense early on. Despite the initial pressure, Inter Kashi maintained their composure and defended strongly. In the 14th minute, they took the lead against the run of play.
David Munoz sent a long ball towards East Bengal’s penalty area, and Alfred Planas timed his run perfectly. Without hesitation, this Spanish player executed a stunning volley that sailed over Prabhsukhan Gill and into the net, silencing the stadium.
However, East Bengal responded almost immediately eight minutes later. Bipin Singh delivered a teasing cross in front of the goal, and Ajjari only needed a slight touch, but he struck the ball over the crossbar.
Inter Kashi capitalized on East Bengal’s weaknesses, applying constant pressure. Planas troubled East Bengal’s defense significantly. In the 24th minute, he nearly doubled the lead but was thwarted by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
In the 35th minute, Inter Kashi had another chance to extend their lead when Gill saved a long-range shot from Planas. Fortunately for East Bengal, the rebound went into the side netting. A few minutes later, Gill made another excellent save from a shot by Tomba Singh, raising concerns among East Bengal fans. Before halftime, East Bengal attempted to rally, but their attacking play seemed weak.
After the break, East Bengal emerged with renewed determination. In the 50th minute, Anwar Ali delivered a brilliant defense-splitting pass, providing Yusuf Ajjari with a chance. The Moroccan player outpaced his marker Munoz, rounded goalkeeper Shubham Dhas, and found the back of the net, bringing East Bengal back into the match.
The equalizer transformed the atmosphere. East Bengal continued to apply pressure, and in the 61st minute, substitute Nandakumar nearly took the lead with a powerful strike that forced Dhas into a quick save at his near post. Finally, in the 72nd minute, success came. Bipin Singh sent a dangerous cross from the right, and Rashid skillfully directed the ball into the far corner.
Joy erupted throughout the stadium. The bench emptied as supporters celebrated, jumping over barricades. The entire arena resonated with East Bengal’s chants. After that, East Bengal’s defense denied Inter Kashi any chance to score. As the final whistle blew, East Bengal’s long wait was finally over.
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