East Bengal FC roared back from a goal down to defeat Inter Kashi FC 2-1 and emerged the new Indian Super League champion. The triumph ended the Red and Gold Brigade’s 22-year wait for the country’s premier title.

A remarkable counterattack saw Inter Kashi take the lead in the 15th minute. Alfred Planas latched on to a deep cross from David Munoz and produced a spectacular volley to silence the East Bengal fans who had thronged the Kishore Bharati Stadium in large numbers to cheer the team.

The hosts responded strongly after the break, showing more urgency as they looked for the equaliser. The efforts were rewarded in the 50th minute when Youssef Ezzejjari swooped in on a through ball from Anwar Ali and calmly slotted the ball home. East Bengal nudged ahead in the 73rd minute when Mohammed Rashid timed his run to perfection, reaching a cross from Bipin Singh and guiding the ball home with an outstretched leg.

East Bengal held on to the lead, sparking celebrations in the dugout and the stands.

Bagan second

In the other match held simultaneously at the Salt Lake Stadium, defending champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant registered a comeback 2-1 victory over Sporting Club Delhi.

East Bengal and Bagan finished with 26 points in 13 matches. As their Kolkata derby had ended in a 1-1 stalemate, goal difference proved to be the tie-breaker (19 to 14).

The results

Inter Kashi FC 1 (Planas 15) lost to East Bengal 2 (Ezzejjari 50, Rashid 73); Mohun Bagan SG 2 (Manvir 90, Maclaren 90+9) bt Sporting Club Delhi 1 (Fernandes 63).