Howrah Hooghly Warriors Wins A Thriller With A Last Minute Goal Against JHR Royal City FC. Pic by Bibhash Lodh/BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata, 1st February, 2026: The inaugural season of the Bengal Super League culminated in a blockbuster Final at the Kalyani Stadium. Howrah Hooghly Warriors triumphed over JHR Royal City FC Malda | Murshidabad after winning 3-2 during extra time after Koustav Dutta scored in the very last minute of the game. After a long and highly successful inaugural season, the league truly lived up to its promise of uncovering grassroots talents, with players emerging from various districts and making their mark on a competitive, professional platform. Both finalists arrived at the summit clash after stellar campaigns, showcasing consistency, character and high-quality football throughout the season.
Howrah Hooghly Warriors took the lead in the 34th minute through Seila Toure after a header from a corner, before JHR hit back just before the break as Sukhchand Kisku scored in the 46th minute, sending the teams into half-time level.
JHR began the second half on the front foot with Avilash Paul producing a fine save in the 47th minute and Amit Tudu making a vital clearance to halt a dangerous Howrah Hooghly attack. The Warriors regained the lead in the 56th minute through the youngster Deep Gain, though the goal was marred by an unfortunate collision with the JHR goalkeeper, Sourav Samanta that left the scorer with a nose injury, forcing him off by ambulance and resulting in a lengthy stoppage. JHR pressed hard for an equaliser missing two big chances around the 70th minute with Tuhin Das striking the post with a stunning effort and continuing to trouble the defence with his direct runs. Deep into extended stoppage time, Md. Sumit capitalised on a counter-attack in the 92nd minute to make it 2–2. Howrah Hooghly thought they had won it late on, but their 95th-minute goal was ruled out for offside, sealing a dramatic draw.
The Winning Goal Came from a direct corner by Koustav Dutta in the very last minute of extra time (120th Minute) to seal a dramatic 3-2 win for Howrah Hooghly Warriors. Despite losing the game, Md. Sumit received The Man of the Match award for his phenomenal performance.