The dramatic stoppage-time equaliser not only secured the championship but also confirmed Diamond Harbour’s promotion to the Indian Super League.
Diamond Harbour FC scripted a fairytale ending to their remarkable season after Hugo Diaz scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser to seal the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 title.
Trailing 1-0 against Dempo SC for most of the second half, Diamond Harbour looked set to miss the chance to wrap up the title on the night. Marcus Joseph had given Dempo the lead shortly after the break, putting the pressure firmly on the visitors in a tense title-deciding clash in Goa. However, with stoppage time ticking away, Hugo Diaz rose highest to head home a crucial equaliser and spark wild celebrations among players and supporters.
The vital point was enough to take Diamond Harbour to 29 points and officially crown them IFL champions with a match to spare. The result also confirmed their promotion to the Indian Super League for the 2026-27 season.
The triumph marks a stunning rise for the West Bengal-based club, which has now achieved three successive promotions after previously winning the I-League 3 and I-League 2 titles in recent seasons. Their title-winning campaign in their debut IFL season has quickly become one of Indian football’s most memorable success stories.
Despite showing signs of nerves early in the match, Diamond Harbour stayed alive in the contest thanks to several key saves and resilient defending before finally finding the breakthrough in added time. Diaz’s decisive header ultimately ensured the club completed a historic campaign in unforgettable fashion.
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