Diamond Harbour qualify for ISL with stoppage-time equaliser

Margao: Hugo Diaz scored a stoppage time equaliser for Diamond Harbour FC against Dempo SC to ensure that the Kolkata side triumphs in the Indian Football League (IFL) title and qualify for next season’s top tier Indian Super League (ISL).




Coached by Kibu Vicuna who previously won the I-League with Mohun Bagan, Diamond Harbour needed only a point to wrap up the title. They trailed from the 50th minute after Marcus Joseph gave Dempo the lead at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday. However, Diaz’s header in the first minute of added time saw the teams finish 1-1, sparking wild celebrations in the visiting camp.




Until stoppage time, it appeared that Dempo had done enough to take the IFL title race into the final round with Shillong Lajong – playing Diamond Harbour – and Sreenidi Deccan fancying their chances. The draw though took Diamond Harbour to 29 points, four ahead of their nearest rivals with a round left to be played.




That the equaliser was scored in pouring rain added an extra layer of drama. Should Diamond Harbour tick all the boxes and fulfil the criteria, they will replace relegated Mohammedan Sporting in the top tier of Indian football.




Playing without any pressure, Dempo looked energetic in their build up and made good use of Diamond Harbour’s mistakes but were unable to score early in the game. Sebastian Gutierrez came close twice, while Jose Moreno’s deflection from a corner kick was cleared off the line by Melroy Assisi.




Diamond Harbour appeared unusually subdued and didn’t have much to show in the opening half.




Dempo were rewarded for their persistence five minutes into the second half. The home team won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Marcus’ initial effort was blocked by the wall, but the striker reacted quickest to the rebound and thundered the ball into the top corner for his eighth goal of the season.




With a heavy downpour in the final 10 minutes, conditions became even more difficult for both sides to create chances. However, Diamond Harbour eventually found a way back into the contest after the referee added eight minutes of stoppage time.




Substitute Girik Khosla delivered a fine cross into the box for Diaz, who showed remarkable composure to rise high and head the ball into the back of the net.