Ezzejjari and Rashid help them end their 22-year wait for national crown
Panaji: East Bengal FC ended a 22-year wait for a national league crown after scripting a 2-1 comeback win over Inter Kashi to clinch their maiden Indian Super League title at Kolkata.
On a night dripping with tension, heartbreak and redemption, the Red and Gold Brigade rose from an early setback to deliver one of the greatest evenings in the club’s modern history.
The packed stands were stunned in the 15th minute when Alfred Planas raced onto a pinpoint ball from David Munoz and volleyed past Prabhsukhan Gill to hand Inter Kashi the lead. East Bengal struggled to break through a disciplined Kashi backline despite dominating possession, while Youssef Ezzejjari squandered a golden chance midway through the half.
At half-time, with arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant still alive in the title race, the pressure was immense.
But Oscar Bruzon’s side returned transformed after the break.
Five minutes into the second half, Anwar Ali split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass that released Ezzejjari, who rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home to ignite the East Bengal faithful.
The momentum shifted completely as chants of “East Bengal, East Bengal” echoed around the stadium. Then came the decisive moment in the 73rd minute.
Bipin Singh whipped in a dangerous cross from the right and captain Mohammed Rashid stretched to guide the ball into the far corner, sending the crowd into delirium. Rashid climbed the barricades to celebrate with supporters, knowing the title was within touching distance.
Elsewhere, Mohun Bagan’s late 2-1 win over Sporting Club Delhi proved irrelevant as the Mariners failed to overturn the goal difference required to snatch the crown away.
When the final whistle sounded, decades of frustration disappeared. Players collapsed to the turf, fans erupted in tears and East Bengal finally stood atop Indian football once again.
