Diamond Harbour FC – A Journey Written in Three Years
In just three years of existence, Diamond Harbour FC have scripted a remarkable story in Indian football under spaniard head coach Kibu Vicuna. From lifting the I-League 3rd Division title to conquering the I-League 2nd Division, the club has steadily climbed the ladder of Indian football. Now, with their promotion to the I-League Premier Division, they are ready to stands with the country’s established names.
This season, the club received a special invitation to participate in the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament. With 24 teams, few expected the newcomers to make a mark, but Diamond Harbour FC defied all odds. They became the first-ever debutant team in Durand Cup history to reach the final, a feat that has already etched their name in the competition’s records.
Their path to the summit clash was nothing short of heroic. Facing five ISL sides, they managed to beat three of them, including giants like East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, and Jamshedpur FC. Each victory showcased their fighting spirit, tactical discipline under Kibu Vicuna, and the hunger of a club eager to prove itself on the biggest stage.
And in a season where the traditional Kolkata giants were absent from the Durand Cup final, it was Diamond Harbour FC who carried Bengal’s pride all the way to the last chapter.
In the grand final, Diamond Harbour FC’s dream run came to an end as they fell 6–1 to the defending champions Northeast United FC, who successfully retained their crown. But even in defeat, Diamond Harbour FC walked away as silver medalists, winning respect across Indian football and showing that a new force is rising from Bengal.
From local roots to the national stage, Diamond Harbour FC’s rise has been Explosive growth. Their Durand Cup journey may have ended in second place, but their story has only just begun.
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