I-League: Unbeaten Diamond Harbour secure promotion for 2025-26 season

IANS April 11, 2025 272 views

Diamond Harbour FC have made history by securing promotion to the I-League 2025-26 season with an impressive unbeaten record. The West Bengal side defeated Sports Academy Tirur 2-1, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the I-League 2 competition. Managed by Kibu Vicuna, the team has been dominant throughout the season, winning the I-League 3 title earlier and now on the verge of another championship. With two matches remaining, Diamond Harbour are perfectly positioned to complete a remarkable football journey.

"We've taken the third tier by storm" - Kibu Vicuna, Diamond Harbour FC Manager
New Delhi, April 11: Diamond Harbour FC became the first side to secure promotion to the I-League 2025-26 on Friday. The West Bengal side defeated Sports Academy Tirur 2-1 in Manjeri and are assured of a top-two finish in the 2024-25 I-League 2 season.

Key Points

1

Unbeaten run secures promotion with two matches remaining

2

Potential league champions after impressive campaign

3

Key goals from Mahata and Hazra seal victory

Still unbeaten after 14 matches, Diamond Harbour FC have taken the Indian third tier by storm, earning promotion with two matches to spare. Having won the I-League 3 title earlier this season to qualify for I-League 2, Kibu Vicuna’s side now have the opportunity to add more silverware on April 19.

If Diamond Harbour get a point against second-placed Chanmari FC, they will be crowned the I-League 2 champions. League leaders Diamond Harbour are currently on 34 points with 10 wins and four draws.

Chanmari are in second on 30 points, while third-placed Sporting Clube de Goa, who suffered a shock 1-2 loss to relegation-battling NEROCA FC, have 25 points. The second and final promotion spot will be taken by either the Mizoram or Goa club.

Pintu Mahata (61’) and Suprodip Hazra (79’) scored the goals for Diamond Harbour in Kerala on Friday evening, scoring on either side of Aqib Nawab’s 67th-minute penalty for the hosts. Mahata opened the scoring with a crisp volley from 10 yards out in the 61st minute. Hazra also struck a top-notch goal, finding the top corner with a right-footed half-volley in the 79th minute.

As far as relegation from the I-League 2 is concerned, KLASA FC were the first team to be relegated after their 0-7 loss to FC Bengaluru United on Thursday, April 10. Fellow Manipur side TRAU FC are currently occupying the other relegation spot, five points behind city rivals NEROCA FC, with only two matches to go.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul S.
What an incredible journey for Diamond Harbour! From I-League 3 to I-League 1 in one season is just amazing. Kibu Vicuna is working magic with this team! 🔥
P
Priya M.
That Hazra goal sounds like an absolute banger! Would love to see the highlights. Congrats to the team - West Bengal football is on the rise again!
A
Arjun K.
While Diamond Harbour's achievement is impressive, I'm concerned about their squad depth. The jump to I-League will be much tougher. Hope they invest in some experienced players.
S
Sneha P.
So happy to see smaller clubs making waves in Indian football! 🎉 This is exactly what our football ecosystem needs - more competitive teams across all levels.
V
Vikram D.
That 7-0 loss for KLASA FC though... ouch. Must be devastating for their fans. Hope they can bounce back stronger next season.
M
Meena R.
The real story here is how competitive I-League 2 has become! So many teams fighting for promotion and battling relegation. Makes for exciting football.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Tags:
I-League 2 Diamond Harbour FC Indian Football Kibu Vicuna West Bengal Football
You May Like!