In what will be remembered as one of the most dramatic conclusions to a football season, Kickstart FC experienced sheer heartbreak after conceding a 97th-minute equaliser against Bengaluru FC that denied them their first-ever championship crown.
The Agony of Added Time
Kickstart FC were literally seconds away from lifting their maiden trophy when disaster struck. After dominating much of the match and maintaining a slender lead, their dreams were shattered in the seventh minute of added time. The 97th-minute equaliser from Bengaluru FC completely changed the complexion of the game and the season's outcome.
The match, which took place on November 24, 2025, saw Kickstart FC controlling proceedings for large periods. Their disciplined defensive performance throughout the ninety minutes seemed certain to deliver the championship that had eluded them for so long. However, football's cruel nature manifested itself in the dying moments of the contest.
A Season's Work Undone
What makes the result particularly painful for Kickstart FC is the tremendous effort put in throughout the season. The team had worked extensively behind the scenes, with significant preparation and strategic planning that positioned them perfectly for title glory.
All the work done behind the lens during that season was effectively undone by that single moment of drama. The players, coaching staff, and supporters were left utterly devastated as the final whistle blew shortly after the equalising goal.
Aftermath and Reflection
The nature of the defeat raises questions about game management and concentration during critical moments. While Bengaluru FC demonstrated remarkable resilience to fight until the very end, Kickstart FC will undoubtedly analyze what went wrong in those final moments.
This heartbreaking result serves as a stark reminder of football's unpredictability and how quickly fortunes can change. For Kickstart FC, the challenge now becomes bouncing back from this devastating blow and using the experience as motivation for future campaigns.
The team must regroup and focus on the positives from their overall season performance, while addressing the issues that cost them in the championship decider. Their journey, though ending in disappointment, shows they possess the quality to compete at the highest level.
