East Bengal win ISL title with 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi

East Bengal FC ended a 22-year wait for a national league title on Thursday, securing the Indian Super League championship with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi. The win at Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata sealed the club's first ISL trophy and its first top-tier domestic crown since the 2003-04 season.

The triumph concluded an intense multi-team title race that went down to the final matchday. East Bengal entered the decisive fixture level on points with arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant but held a superior goal difference. Mumbai City FC, Punjab FC, and Jamshedpur FC were also mathematically in contention before kickoff.

The match began nervously for the home side. Inter Kashi took an early lead in the 14th minute when Alfred Planas scored with a first-time finish. East Bengal created several chances but failed to find an equalizer before halftime, leaving their title hopes in a precarious position.

The situation changed early in the second half. In the 50th minute, striker Youssef Ezzejjari, the league's top scorer this season, leveled the match. East Bengal gained control and continued to push for a winner. The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when Mohammed...