Hugo Díaz’s stoppage-time heroics seal IFL 2025-26 title for Diamond Harbour FC
This was Diamond Harbour FC’s debut season in the Indian Football League, formerly the I-League.
Late drama unfolded in the closing moments as an injury-time goal from Hugo Díaz earned Diamond Harbour FC a 1-1 draw against Dempo SC at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The point helped them clinch the Indian Football League 2025-26 title and gain promotion to Indian Super League 2026-27.
Needing only a point to wrap up the title, Diamond Harbour were trailing from the 50th minute after Marcus Joseph gave Dempo SC the lead. A goal in the first minute of injury time ensured that they secured 29 points, thus winning their maiden IFL title, with a match to spare. The side from West Bengal won their third promotion in as many seasons after winning the I-League 3 and I-League 2 in the previous campaigns.
Shaky start from Diamond Harbour FC against Dempo
Diamond Harbour showed signs of nervousness in the opening half hour, misplacing simple passes and lacking clarity in their attacking approach. The first chance of the game came for the home side from a misplaced pass by the Diamond Harbour defence, but Sebastián Gutiérrez saw his effort drift narrowly wide of the post.
Dempo, playing without any pressure looked more energetic in their build up play and were making good use of Diamond Harbour’s mistakes but were not able to punish them by scoring. Gutiérrez once again pulled his shot wide of the post from a long-range effort. Moments later José Luis Moreno deflected a corner kick at the near post towards the goal but it was expertly cleared off the line by Melroy Assisi.
At the other end, Diamond Harbour, who looked below their usual attacking standards, still managed to create two good opportunities. Mikel Kortazar blazed his effort over the bar after getting on the end of a set-piece delivery. Moments later, Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi produced a fine save to deny Hugo Díaz, who had once again found space inside the box following a long throw.
Marcus Joseph gives Dempo SC lead
Dempo caused several nervy moments inside the opposition box, with Marcus Joseph creating openings for his teammates around him, but this time Diamond Harbour defended resolutely to keep them at bay as both sides went into the break with the scores level at 0-0.
Dempo were rewarded for their persistence five minutes after the restart. The hosts won a free-kick at the edge of the box after Seigoumang Doungel was brought down by K. Ajith Kumar. Marcus Joseph’s initial effort was blocked by the wall, but the striker reacted quickest to the rebound and thundered the ball into the top corner before the defenders or goalkeeper could respond, scoring his eighth goal of the season.
Kibu Vicuña responded to the setback by introducing Luka Majcen, Bryce Miranda and R. Ramdinthara, but the changes failed to create any clear-cut opportunities that seriously troubled the Dempo defence or the goalkeeper.
However, it was Dempo who continued to look the more threatening side, with Gutiérrez creating havoc in the opposition half. Aubin Kouakou rose highest to meet a free-kick delivery from Gutiérrez, but the towering defender was denied by an excellent low save from Dheeraj Singh. The forward was at the heart of almost everything the hosts created, and Diamond Harbour struggled to contain him as the Colombian found plenty of space and freedom in central areas.
Hugo Díaz saves the day for IFL debutants
Diamond Harbour looked short of ideas and, with a heavy downpour arriving in the final 10 minutes, the conditions became even more difficult for both sides to create chances. However, the visitors eventually found a way back into the contest after the referee added eight minutes of stoppage time.
Substitute Girik Khosla delivered a pinpoint cross into the box for Hugo Díaz, who had drifted away from his marker. The Spaniard timed his jump perfectly and planted a powerful header into the back of the net, a goal that ultimately confirmed the title for Diamond Harbour.
How did Diamond Harbour FC win the IFL 2025-26 title?
Diamond Harbour FC secured the IFL 2025-26 title after a 1-1 draw against Dempo SC, thanks to Hugo Díaz’s injury-time equaliser.
Who scored for Diamond Harbour FC against Dempo SC?
Hugo Díaz scored the crucial stoppage-time goal for Diamond Harbour FC.
Did Diamond Harbour FC earn promotion to the ISL?
Yes, Diamond Harbour FC secured promotion to the Indian Super League 2026-27 after winning the IFL title.
How many promotions have Diamond Harbour FC achieved in recent seasons?
Diamond Harbour FC earned their third consecutive promotion after previously winning the I-League 3 and I-League 2 titles.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.