The inaugural Bengal Super League came to a pulsating end with Howrah Hooghly Warriors crowning themselves the first winners of the competition. Their final against JHR Royal City had it all with Mohun Bagan legend Jose Barreto's side winning it 3-2 from the last kick of the game in the most dramatic fashion. Despite taking the lead twice in the final, they were pegged back but ultimately found glory in extra time with star boy Koustav Dutta scoring the winner directly from a corner. It was a fitting way to win the trophy for the first season that will stay long in the memories. By winning the BSL, Howrah Hooghly Warriors also earned the right to play in the historic IFA Shield in the next edition against some of the best sides around, including the Kolkata giants, adding more to their sensational triumph.
JHR Royal City was by far the dominant side in the first half of the final, starting strongly and almost getting the lead within seconds of kicking off. Yet, it was Howrah Hoogly Warriors that got themselves in front completely against the run of play with center-back Seila Toure rolling the ball into the empty net from a corner. However, the Malda Murshidabad based franchise did not wait long to draw level after a cross evaded everyone in the Howrah Hoogly Warriors defense to fall in the path of Sukhchand Kisku who finished elegantly. Saheed Ramon's team could easily have been ahead in the half-time had Irfan Sardar, player of the match in the semifinal 2nd leg triumph over North 24 Parganas, not fluffed his chance sent through on goal with only Avilash Paul to beat.
The second half brought the real drama and a controversy that led to an elongated final. Barretto's side retook the lead close to the hour mark when Deep Gayen headed in a cross but was critically injured and concussed as he collided with the onrushing Sourav Samanta. The midfielder was taken to the hospital in an ambulance but a drama unfolded on the pitch. JHR Royal City's player protested that the goal was offside leading to a further delay with the referee reaffirming his decision after consulting with the linesman. Replay also showed Deep was way behind the defensive line. As a result of the fiasco, a whopping 18 minutes was added to the stoppage time where JHR got the equaliser with substitute Sumit curling in a beauty.
Paulo Cesar thought he found the winner moments later but he went ahead a fraction before putting the ball into the net. With the scores locked at 2-2 after normal time, extra-period became inevitable adding a further layer to a dramatic final. The extra-time was strikingly eventless compared to the electrifying 90 minutes but all changed at the very end. With penalties on the horizon, Howrah Hoogly Warriors won a late corner from where they got the clincher. Koustav went to take it and he scored a stunning Olympic goal, which took a little touch off keeper Sourav Samanta, to unleash crazy scenes at the Kalyani Stadium. The Bengal Super League delivered its promise in its inaugural season, making it an instant success with Howrah Hoogly Warriors ending as deserved winners.
Winners: Howrah Hooghly Warriors
It was a season of grit and determination for Howrah Hooghly Warriors who despite having defensive fragilities played with heart and spirit to get them over the line at the end. Jose Ramirez Barreto's side finished top of the chart in the league phase accumulating 27 points from 14 matches, registering the most wins than any other side with eight and scoring a record 29 goals. They had a difficult semifinal to navigate as they played a 4-3 thriller in the first leg against Sunderban Auto FC and required a defensive masterclass in the returning leg to get them to the final. The showpiece was another crunching one with a solid side like JHR Royal City but Howrah Hooghly Warriors resilience and doing it in the clutch moment paved the way for their unforgettable glory. Howrah Hooghly Warriors etched their name on the front pages of the Bengal Super League history books which is a colossal achievement.
Runners-up: JHR Royal City
Despite losing the final, JHR Royal City was the next most outstanding team in the Bengal Super League right from the start. They built one of the most finest squad, had some remarkable players and showed a balanced display of scoring goals while also being tough to break down. The Malda-Murshidabad based outfit also collected the same points as eventual winners Howrah Hooghly Warriors in the League Phase but had the best goal difference in the league. The side also came back from a 1-0 deficit in the first leg of the semifinal to win 3-0 in the second leg, showing their mettle. JHR also forced their opponents to extra time and were only defeated by fine margins. Nevertheless, if not champions JHR Royal City won the hearts of fans both of the team and neutral with their runners-up finish will only motivate them to do better in future editions.
Best Emerging Player (U19): Aman Yadav (Howrah Hooghly Warriors)
One of the important factors behind the introduction of the Bengal Super League was giving the platform for young talents especially those from West Bengal to showcase their talent. The inaugural season saw plenty of youngsters lit up their stage with their skill and contributed in the key moments of the game. However, the biggest of them was Aman Yadav who became the breakout star and the first winner of the emerging player award. The U19 player was one of the important contributors in Howrah Hooghly Warriors's journey of becoming the first BSL winners as he set the foundation stone of becoming a future star of the team if he stays by, certainly for the league and for bigger destinations.
Golden Glove Winner: Sourav Samanta (JHR Royal City)
In a league that was littered with goals, teams carrying potent attacks and lethal goalscorers, clean sheets was hard to come by with it being a nightmarish occasion for the goalkeepers. However, Sourav Samanta stood tall in between the sticks to help his side JHR Royal City pose the best defence in the league, conceding merely five goals and eight if the knockouts are to be included. This sensational return could not have been possible without Sourav's heroic saves and commanding presence as the last line of defence.
Golden Boot winner(s): Paulo Cesar (Howrah Hooghly Warriors) and Richmond Kwasi (Sunderban Bengal Auto FC)
It was fitting to have the two deadliest strikers of the inaugural Bengal Super League season share the Golden Boot. Paulo Cesar smashed a whopping 10 goals in the season including a hattrick in the semifinals to help Howrah Hooghly Warriors lift the title. On the other hand, Richmond Kwasi made noise by reaching similar figures and helping his side Sunderban Bengal Auto FC reach the semifinal stage of the competition. Both gained status with their physicality in the box, great hold up play and above all, lethal finishing that made defenders tear up their hairs. The two looking to outdo each other in the Golden Boot race with their finishing class was a stunning watch and became one of the major talking points of the tournament. At the end, it was fair both ended up on the podium sharing the award with a smile.
Golden Ball winner: Adama Coulibaly (JHR Royal City)
Despite all the talks about forwards and the attacking flair of the league, the first Golden Ball winner of the BSL went to a center back, Adama Coulibaly of JHR Royal City. The reason was obvious. When other defenses wilted in front of the flamboyant attacks, JHR under the leadership of Coulibaly stood strong and conceded less than 10 goals. Individually, the player from the Ivory Coast was unshakable and barely dribbled past. Even in the final, he won almost every duel against league's joint top scorer Paulo Cesar. Not only being solid defensively, Coulibaly posed a threat on the setpieces and even made powerful runs from the back giving an extra outlet in the attack. All in all, Coulibaly's impact was huge and he was just inches away from giving the silverware for the team which would have given more value to his individual prize and brilliance.
