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.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Diamond Harbour Seal Historic IFL Title with Dramatic Late Equaliser in Goa appeared first on Football Counter.

In a contest that remained finely balanced throughout, both sides showed attacking intent but struggled to find the finishing touch. Gokulam Kerala made a bright start, with Thabiso Nelson Brown testing Rajasthan’s goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri early on, while also enjoying more of the ball in the opening stages.

Rajasthan gradually grew into the game and began to create opportunities of their own. Amadou Soukouna was at the heart of their attacking play, first setting up Jonathan Fernandes before testing the goalkeeper himself with a curling effort. The hosts came closest just before the break, with Soukouna striking the crossbar and Fernandes seeing his acrobatic attempt denied, as Gokulam’s defence held firm.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with chances at both ends but no breakthrough. Gokulam came close through substitute Benjamin Thomas Kuku, only for Malla Thakuri to produce a crucial save. Rajasthan responded with renewed attacking intent, as Thomyo Shimray and Isaac Nortey looked to unlock the defence.

With the match seemingly heading towards a stalemate, the decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Substitute Naoba Meitei cut in from the left and fired a right-footed strike towards the near post, catching the goalkeeper off guard and sending the home crowd into celebration.

Gokulam Kerala pushed forward in the closing seconds in search of an equaliser, but Rajasthan United held their ground to secure a hard-fought victory. The result lifts Rajasthan to second place in the standings, marking a crucial step in their campaign.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Meitei’s Last-Gasp Heroics Seal Dramatic Win for Rajasthan United appeared first on Football Counter.

The visitors controlled proceedings from the outset, enjoying the majority of possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Despite their dominance, Aizawl FC remained disciplined at the back in the first half, limiting clear chances and keeping Diamond Harbour’s attacking threats in check.

Aizawl gradually grew into the game towards the end of the first half, creating a few half-chances of their own, but neither side could break the deadlock before the interval.

The breakthrough came soon after the restart in the 47th minute. A defensive lapse from Aizawl allowed Moyano to capitalise, as he collected the loose ball and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to give Diamond Harbour the lead.

The hosts tried to respond and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but struggled to create clear opportunities against a well-organised defence.

Diamond Harbour sealed the win in the 77th minute with a well-worked move. Bryce Miranda made an excellent run past multiple defenders before setting up Moyano, who finished into an empty net to complete his brace and double the advantage.

The visitors maintained control in the closing stages, comfortably seeing out the game despite a lengthy period of added time. Aizawl failed to pose any real threat late on as Diamond Harbour secured a dominant away victory and continued their strong momentum.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Moyano Brace Fires Diamond Harbour FC to Dominant Win Over Aizawl appeared first on Football Counter.

The hosts took control of the game early and found the breakthrough just before the 20-minute mark. Moses Lalrinzuala showcased individual brilliance, weaving past two defenders before drilling a low left-footed strike into the net to give Gokulam the lead.

Gokulam continued to dominate possession and looked the more threatening side going forward. They came close to doubling their advantage through Trijoy Das and Thabiso Brown, with the latter seeing his header crash against the crossbar. At the other end, Dempo struggled to break through a well-organised defence, with their best chance comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil.

The second half saw Gokulam maintain control, though Dempo had a chance to stay in the game when the hosts were awarded a penalty early after the restart. However, Ashish Sibi produced a fine save to deny Brown from the spot.

Despite that setback, Gokulam continued to push forward and eventually sealed the result in the closing stages. Mirjalol Kasimov won a penalty himself and stepped up to convert it emphatically, smashing the ball into the top corner to make it 2–0.

Dempo showed some late urgency in stoppage time, creating a few chances, but Shibinraj stood firm with key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

A composed and dominant display ensured Gokulam Kerala walked away with all three points, marking an important milestone in their campaign.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Gokulam Kerala Secure First Win with Convincing 2–0 Victory Over Dempo appeared first on Football Counter.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially confirmed the league’s return, bringing relief to clubs and local fans who were unsure if the season would even begin.

This edition will feature nine teams. The lineup includes two sides relegated from the I-League — Delhi FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru — along with two promoted teams from I-League 3, MYJ-GMSC and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC. Four clubs continue from last season: United SC, NEROCA FC, Sporting Clube de Goa, and FC Bengaluru United. Sudeva Delhi FC also returns after being reinstated following a decision by the AIFF Executive Committee.

The league follows a promotion and relegation system connected to the Indian Football League and I-League 3. Each team will play eight matches in a single round-robin format, facing every opponent once — four matches at home and four away. At the end of the season, the top two teams will earn promotion to the higher division. Meanwhile, the bottom team will be relegated to I-League 3 2026-27, along with Sports Academy Tirur, who have already withdrawn before the season began.

The season is scheduled to kick off on March 27, 2026, and will run until May 15, 2026. Two matches will be played on opening day. Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC will host Sudeva Delhi FC at KASA Stadium in Diphu. On the same day in Mumbai, MYJ-GMSC will take on Sporting Club Bengaluru at Cooperage Stadium.

With a fresh identity and a clear schedule, Indian Football League 2 now has a chance to bring stability and renewed excitement to the country’s football structure.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Indian Football League 2 set to return on March 27 appeared first on Football Counter.

Sreenidi dominated possession from the start, controlling the tempo and creating several openings, but struggled to convert their chances. Despite having the majority of the ball, the hosts lacked the finishing touch in the final third.

Against the run of play, Namdhari took the lead in spectacular fashion in the 31st minute. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, Manvir Singh unleashed an audacious strike from inside his own half, sending the ball soaring into the net to give the visitors a surprise lead at half-time.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Sreenidi applying constant pressure in search of an equaliser. David Castañeda came close on multiple occasions, including a header that narrowly missed the target.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute. A corner from Brandon Vanlalremdika caused confusion in the box, and Hadi Idrissou reacted quickest to finish and bring the hosts level.

Sreenidi pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, but missed key opportunities, including a one-on-one chance and a late header that struck the post. Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar made crucial saves, while the defence stood firm under intense pressure.

In the end, Namdhari held on to secure a valuable away point, while Sreenidi Deccan were left to settle for a draw despite dominating large parts of the game.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Manvir’s Wonder Goal Earns Namdhari a Gritty Draw Against Sreenidi Deccan appeared first on Football Counter.

The match began at a high tempo, with both teams creating early chances and forcing important saves from the goalkeepers. Shillong’s Siwel Rymbai was called into action multiple times as Chanmari looked dangerous in attack.

The hosts took the lead in the 16th minute through Christo Kamei, who curled in a stunning free-kick from distance after a foul on Aaron, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Chanmari continued to dominate possession and looked the more threatening side for most of the first half.

However, Shillong Lajong found a way back just before the break. In first-half stoppage time, Everbrightson Sana’s run into the box resulted in a penalty after a mistimed challenge from the goalkeeper. Buam stepped up and smashed the spot-kick off the underside of the crossbar and into the net to level the scores at 1–1.

Chanmari resumed the second half on the front foot, creating several chances but failing to convert. Their missed opportunities proved costly as Shillong gradually grew into the game, especially after introducing fresh attacking options.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. Substitute Jakob delivered a precise cross from the left, and Buam timed his run perfectly to finish past the goalkeeper in the 90+5th minute, completing a remarkable turnaround.

Shillong Lajong held on in the final moments to secure all three points, with Buam’s brace guiding them to a crucial victory.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Buam’s Late Heroics Fire Shillong Lajong to Dramatic 2–1 Victory appeared first on Football Counter.

The match started in perfect fashion for Diamond Harbour as they struck within the opening minutes. Luka Majcen reacted quickest after Antonio Moyano’s initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai, calmly slotting home the rebound in the second minute to give the visitors an early lead.

Diamond Harbour doubled their advantage soon after with another well-worked attacking move. Hugo Díaz released Jobby Justin down the right wing, and the captain delivered a low cross into the six-yard box. Majcen timed his run perfectly and finished neatly at the near post to make it 2–0.

Shillong Lajong responded positively and began to grow into the game with their attacking style of play. The hosts came close to pulling one back in the first half when Everbrightson Sana rose high to meet a cross, but a combination of Dheeraj Singh’s fingertips and the crossbar denied him.

The home side eventually reduced the deficit early in the second half with a swift counterattack. Everbrightson Sana started the move before releasing Gladdy Kharbuli, who showed great composure to beat the goalkeeper and make it 2–1.

From that point onwards, Shillong Lajong controlled large spells of the match, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Sana had two big opportunities to level the scores, while Melroy Assisi produced a crucial goal-line clearance to keep Diamond Harbour ahead.

Despite heavy pressure from the hosts, Diamond Harbour remained resilient at the back and even threatened on the counter late in the game, with Sunday Afolabi striking the crossbar and Moyano testing the goalkeeper in stoppage time.

In the end, Diamond Harbour held on to their narrow lead to secure their second consecutive victory of the season and move up the table.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Majcen Brace Leads Diamond Harbour to 2–1 Win Over Shillong Lajong appeared first on Football Counter.

Real Kashmir made a strong start and took the lead in the 14th minute. Shedrack Charles capitalised on a mistake from the Aizawl goalkeeper and finished from close range to put the visitors ahead.

Aizawl gradually settled into the game and began controlling possession. Their efforts paid off just before half-time when they were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Zomuansanga stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 42nd minute to bring the hosts level.

Both teams continued to push for a winner in the second half as the match remained evenly balanced. Real Kashmir regained the lead in the 75th minute when Ahteeb Ahmad Dar rose highest to meet a delivery and powered a header into the top corner.

Despite falling behind again, Aizawl kept pressing forward in search of another equaliser. Their persistence finally paid off in stoppage time when Lalhriatpuia connected with a cross from Lalrempuia and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-2.

The late goal ensured the hosts secured a hard-earned point in a closely contested encounter, while Real Kashmir had to settle for a share of the spoils despite taking the lead twice.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Late Lalhriatpuia Header Rescues Point for Aizawl FC in 2–2 Draw with Real Kashmir appeared first on Football Counter.

The home side started brightly and took the lead in the 13th minute when Amadou Soukouna capitalised on a defensive error. Pressuring the Namdhari backline, the striker reacted quickly to a loose clearance and poked the ball past the goalkeeper from close range.

Rajasthan continued to dominate the first half and created several chances to extend their advantage, with Pedro Astray striking the post and Shafeel PP forcing a save from distance. Namdhari gradually grew into the game and threatened through set-pieces, but Rajasthan goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri produced important saves to keep his side ahead at the break.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 57th minute after sustained pressure in the attacking third. Jonathan Reis’ curling effort was parried by the goalkeeper, but Pedro Astray was perfectly positioned to convert the rebound and make it 2-0.

Namdhari’s task became even more difficult when defender Lamine Moro was sent off after receiving two quick yellow cards. Despite being a man down, the visitors staged a late fightback.

Manvir Singh reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute after beating the offside trap and calmly finishing past the goalkeeper. Just minutes later, Namdhari completed a stunning comeback when Najib Ibrahim finished a low cross inside the box to level the score at 2-2.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Rajasthan United produced one final moment of brilliance in stoppage time. A long ball into the penalty area was headed towards goal and Amadou Soukouna rose highest to power the ball into the net, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the hosts.

The win lifts Rajasthan United up to fourth place in the standings, while Namdhari remain ninth after a thrilling encounter that was decided in the final moments.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Soukouna’s Injury-Time Winner Seals Dramatic 3–2 Victory for Rajasthan United appeared first on Football Counter.