KOLKATA: East Bengal are back from the dead and back as the kings of Indian football league. The long wait is over. The red and golds last national title came in 2003-04, when the top tier in Indian football was called the National Football League. It was an era they lorded over. But from 2007 onwards, since it rebranded as the I-League, East Bengal never saw the pinnacle, despite finishing runners-up a number of times.
Match Report
On Thursday in the ISL, needing a win to clinch the issue, Oscar Bruzons red-and-gold brigade fell to an early setback when Alfred Planas put debutants Inter Kashi ahead with a brilliant finish in the 15th minute. But they showed why they looked different this season, rallying and responding with urgency, fearlessness and a never-say-die mentality that had been their calling card under Bruzon.
Youssef Ezzejjari brought home the equalizer five minutes after the break, making the most of Inter Kashi goalkeeper Shubham Dhas indecision. Just when things seemed to be slipping away, Mohammad Rashid provided the Aguero-moment for the city side in the 73rd minute, finishing off Bipin Singhs deftly-executed centre.
When referee Aditya Purakayastha blew the final whistle, fans stormed the pitch. It was a moment of redemption for the team and its fans. Days after Arsenal ended their 22-year wait in England, East Bengal followed a similar script, laying their hands on a national league trophy for the first time since 2004.
Other Results
Defending champions Mohun Bagan also came from behind to defeat SC Delhi 2-1, but finished second on goal difference. Mumbai City, who downed a 9-man Punjab FC 2-0, completed the ISL top three.
