-Pratyusha Mukherjee
East Bengal ended a 22-year wait for a national league crown by clinching their maiden Indian Super League title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The historic triumph sparked emotional celebrations among players and supporters as the Red-and-Gold Brigade reclaimed their place at the summit of Indian football after more than two decades.
Mohammed Rashid scored the decisive goal in the 72nd minute after league top scorer Youssef Ezzejjari had cancelled out Alfred Planas’ early opener for Inter Kashi. The victory ensured East Bengal finished top of the ISL table with 26 points from 13 matches.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant also secured a 2-1 win over Sporting Club Delhi and finished level on points, but East Bengal lifted the trophy courtesy of a superior goal difference.
Inter Kashi stunned the home crowd in the 14th minute when David Munoz’s long ball found Alfred Planas, who volleyed brilliantly past goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill to hand the visitors the lead.
East Bengal pushed for an equaliser before halftime, with Ezzejjari and Miguel Figueira testing the Inter Kashi defence, but the visitors remained organised and continued to threaten on the counterattack.
The hosts returned after the break with renewed intensity and drew level in the 50th minute. Anwar Ali delivered a defence-splitting pass to Ezzejjari, who outpaced his marker, rounded goalkeeper Shubham Dhas and calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Buoyed by the equaliser, East Bengal dominated possession and created several chances before finally taking the lead in the 72nd minute. Bipin Singh delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank and Rashid stretched to guide the ball into the far corner.
Inter Kashi attempted to mount a late comeback, but East Bengal held firm to seal a memorable victory and trigger wild celebrations inside the packed stadium.
The triumph marked East Bengal’s first ISL title and their first national league championship since 2004, ending years of disappointment for one of India’s most storied football clubs.
(With Inputs from ISL)
