Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been crowned Calcutta Football League 2026 champions after producing a stunning 3-2 victory over Mohammedan SC in a dramatic title decider at the Barasat Stadium on Saturday (September 19).

The fixture was effectively a final even before kick-off. Both Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan entered the last Championship Round match with four points from two games, having each recorded a win and a draw.

The Championship Round was being decided solely on points accumulated across its three matches. As a result, the winner of the direct clash would finish on seven points and secure the title.

Mohun Bagan had put themselves in a strong position after beginning the Super Six phase with a 5-1 win over Coal India, but a late 1-1 draw against United Sports meant they needed a result against Mohammedan to seal the championship. Mohammedan, meanwhile, had beaten Bhawanipore before drawing 1-1 with East Bengal.

The decisive derby began in favour of the Mariners when Sahal Abdul Samad opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Mohammedan responded just before half-time, with Lalremsanga finding the equaliser in the 42nd minute.

The drama intensified after the break when Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Dipravat was shown a red card, leaving the Mariners with 10 players.

Mohammedan took advantage of the numerical superiority when they were awarded a penalty. Mahitosh converted from the spot to put Mohammedan 2-1 ahead.

Mohun Bagan, however, produced a remarkable response. Sahal Abdul Samad struck again in the 70th minute to make it 2-2 before Sayan Banerjee completed the turnaround just four minutes later.

Sayan’s 74th-minute strike put Mohun Bagan back in front at 3-2, and despite Mohammedan’s attempts to find another equaliser, the Mariners held on.

The result delivered the CFL crown to Mohun Bagan in spectacular fashion. It also meant that the complicated permutations involving East Bengal and Bhawanipore became irrelevant, with the winner of the Mohun Bagan-Mohammedan clash guaranteed the championship.

This is the first CFL title for the Mariners in eight years, and their first crown this season as well. They will be playing in the IFA Shield up next ahead of ISL, which starts from October 10.