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Diamond Harbour's Rapid Rise: ISL Dream Realized
20 May
Summary
- Club formed six years ago, achieves top-flight status by 2026.
- Coach Kibu Vicuna led the team to double promotion in one season.
- Team secured the IFL title with a dramatic comeback in the final match.
In a remarkable six-year journey, Diamond Harbour Football Club is poised to enter the top tier of Indian football in 2026. The club, founded with a clear vision for rapid promotion, has achieved this by winning consecutive titles. Under the guidance of coach Kibu Vicuna, the team secured a double promotion in the 2024-2025 season, moving from I-League 3 to I-League 2. Vicuna's previous success in Indian football, including an I-League title with Mohun Bagan, proved invaluable.
The team's ascent through the Indian football pyramid culminated in the Indian Football League (IFL), where they faced tougher competition. Diamond Harbour bolstered its squad with experienced players from both the I-League and Indian Super League (ISL), including former ISL title-winner Halicharan Narzary. The club's strategy focused on accurate set pieces, with 20 out of 31 goals scored from such situations.
Resilience became Diamond Harbour's hallmark, as they mounted comebacks in nine of their thirteen IFL matches, earning crucial points. The decisive moment came in the final game against Dempo SC, where a late equalizer secured the IFL title. This achievement marks a significant chapter for the club, potentially establishing them as a major force in West Bengal football.
