East Bengal Keeps CFL Title Defence Alive with Late Mohammedan SC Draw

East Bengal kept its Calcutta Football League (CFL) title defence alive after fighting back to secure a 1–1 draw against Mohammedan SC in a crucial Super Six encounter at the Kalyani Stadium on Monday.

The Red and Gold brigade, managed by Archishman Biswas, went into the match looking for its first win of the Super Six phase after being held to a goalless draw by United SC in the previous round. However, Mohammedan SC looked set to take all three points after Lalthankima put the Black Panthers ahead in the 69th minute.

East Bengal refused to give up and produced a dramatic late response. Akash Hembram found the equaliser deep into additional time, rescuing a valuable point for the Red and Gold side and keeping its championship hopes alive.

With the draw, East Bengal moved to two points from two Super Six matches. The team will now face Coal India in its final Super Six fixture, where a victory will be crucial to its chances of remaining in the title race.

Mohammedan SC, meanwhile, remained second in the standings with six points from two matches, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant also remained in contention after drawing 1–1 with United SC. Goal difference currently separates the two sides at the top.

For East Bengal, Hembram’s last-gasp strike could prove to be a defining moment in the title race, giving the side one final opportunity to make a strong finish to its CFL campaign.