Diamond Harbour Seal Historic IFL Title with Dramatic Late Equaliser in Goa

by Chandler D'silva May 18, 2026

Diamond Harbour FC were crowned Indian Football League 2025–26 champions after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Dempo SC at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on May 17.

Needing just a point to secure the title and promotion to the Indian Super League 2026–27, Diamond Harbour left it until stoppage time before Hugo Díaz produced the decisive moment that completed a remarkable season for the West Bengal side.

The visitors appeared tense in the opening stages, struggling to settle into their usual rhythm and giving away possession cheaply under pressure from an energetic Dempo side. The hosts looked the more threatening team early on, with Sebastián Gutiérrez creating several dangerous moments but failing to convert.

Despite not being at their attacking best, Diamond Harbour still managed to create opportunities through Mikel Kortazar and Hugo Díaz, though Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi stood firm to keep the game level heading into halftime.

The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart when Marcus Joseph reacted quickest to a rebound from his blocked free-kick and fired into the top corner to hand Dempo a deserved lead in the 50th minute.

With the title race suddenly alive, Diamond Harbour pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Head coach Kibu Vicuña introduced fresh attacking options, but Dempo continued to threaten on the counter, with Gutiérrez and Aubin Kouakou both coming close to extending the lead.

As heavy rain poured down in the closing stages, conditions became increasingly difficult, and Diamond Harbour looked to be running out of time. However, deep into injury time, substitute Girik Khosla delivered a pinpoint cross into the box where Hugo Díaz rose highest to power home a dramatic equaliser.

The late goal sparked celebrations among the travelling side, confirming Diamond Harbour’s first-ever IFL title and securing promotion to the Indian Super League with a match still to play.

The achievement also marks the club’s third consecutive promotion, having previously won I-League 3 and I-League 2 in successive seasons, completing a remarkable rise through the Indian football pyramid.

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