How can East Bengal win Calcutta Football League 2026?

East Bengal, currently with two points from two games, has one match left in the Super Six stage: against Coal India. | Photo Credit: East Bengal/X

East Bengal has kept its title defence alive in the Calcutta Football League after rescuing a late 1-1 draw with Mohammedan SC on Monday.

Akash Hembram’s additional-time strike cancelled out Lalthankima’s goal as the Red and Gold Brigade hope to bag a hat-trick of CFL titles. East Bengal, the most successful team in the tournament’s history with 41 crowns, is a two-time defending champion.

East Bengal, currently with two points from two games, has one match left in the Super Six stage: against Coal India.

For the Red and Golds to stay alive in the championship race, it will first have to ensure that it beats Coal India. Moreover, East Bengal (0) will need to come away with a big-margin victory to overcome the goal difference of Mohun Bagan (+4) and Mohammedan SC (+2), both of whom will face off against each other in their final-round fixture.

There’s also the possibility of Bhawanipore FC reaching a maximum of six points — it will face Coal India and United SC — which will be more than East Bengal’s max of five points.

Hence, East Bengal will have to beat Coal India by a significant margin, hope the Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan game ends in a draw, and wish Bhawanipore doesn’t win both its matches.