Kolkata, February 1: Howrah Hooghly Warriors were crowned Bengal Super League champions after a dramatic 3–2 extra-time victory over JHR Royal City Malda Murshidabad In the Kalyani stadium, on sunday evening, in a intense final that had everything, goals, controversy, injury tension, and a heart-stopping finish.
The Warriors creat golden opportunity in 32nd minute. Akshat Shaw’s powerful long-range effort from the left was brilliantly saved by JHR keeper Sourav Samanta, but from the resulting corner, Swarup Das delivered a cross and Sheila Toure was perfectly placed to tap the ball into the net, giving Howrah Hooghly the lead.
However, JHR Royal struck back in stoppage time of the first half. In the 45+1st minute, Sukchand Kisku with a well-weighted through ball calmly finished to restore the score, sending the teams into the break level.
In the 56th minute, following a corner, Swarup Das once again provided the delivery into the box. Deep Gain moved forward to meet it and his attempt found the back of the net to put Howrah Hooghly Warriors 2–1 up. But celebrations quickly turned into concern as an unfortunate collision followed.
JHR keeper Sourav Samanta came out to challenge and collided heavily with Deep, who went down unconscious. The medical team reacted immediately, and an ambulance rushed Deep Gain to hospital. The incident left the field heated before play eventually resumed after a delay.
Just when it seemed the Warriors were closing in on the title, JHR Royal displayed a moment of magic. In the 90+5th minute, MD Sumit curled in a stunning long-range effort to equalise, forcing the final into extra time. Howrah Hooghly thought they had sealed it moments later when Paulo Cezar found the net, but the celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled offside.
Extra time brought even more drama, and with the match heading towards penalties, the decisive moment finally arrived. In the 120th minute, Kaustav Dutta scored a sensational Olympic goal directly from a corner, sealing a 3–2 victory and sparking celebrations as Howrah Hooghly Warriors confirmed the Bengal Super League title.
Howrah Hooghly Warriors lifting inaugural BSL Trophy
The triumph also marked a special milestone for Ramirez Barreto, who lifted his first trophy as a senior club football head coach, capping off a remarkable debut season on the sidelines.
BSL 2025-26 Awards:
Best Emerging Player: Aman Yadav (Howrah Hooghly Warriors)
Best Goalkeeper: Sourav Samanta (JHR Royal City Malda Murshidabad)
Joint Top Scorers: Richmond (Sundarban Bengal Auto FC) & Paulo Cezar (Howrah Hooghly Warriors) with 11 goals
Best Player of the Tournament: Adama Coulibaly (JHR Royal City Malda Murshidabad)
Fair Play Award: North Bengal United FC
Great footballing display, drama, resilience, and a stunning Olympic goal defined the final, the perfect ending to the Bengal Super League’s unforgettable inaugural season.
Ramirez Barreto Coach Howrah Hooghly Warriors after becoming BSL 2025-26 champion
Bengal Super League 2025-26 Final: JHR Royal City FC vs Howrah Hooghly Warriors highlights
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