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Mohammedan Sporting Club > Timeline

Timeline

Founded in 1891, Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) is a historic and prestigious football club in Kolkata, India. Known for its rich legacy, MSC made history in 1934 by becoming the first Indian club to win the Calcutta Football League (CFL), breaking the British dominance. This remarkable achievement was followed by multiple CFL victories in the 1930s and 1940s, establishing MSC as a dominant force in Indian football.

After India gained independence in 1947, MSC continued its success by winning the CFL in 1948, the first Indian team to do so. The club’s international fame grew in 1960 when it won the Aga Khan Gold Cup in Dhaka, becoming the first Indian club to secure an international tournament victory. This win was a significant milestone in Indian football history.

The 1980s and 1990s presented challenges, but MSC showed resilience and made a strong comeback in the 21st century. A notable achievement was winning the Durand Cup in 2013, ending a 73-year wait and reaffirming the club’s competitive spirit.

Today, Mohammedan Sporting Club excels in Indian football, focusing on developing young talent and maintaining high standards. The club’s commitment to the sport and its enduring legacy continue to inspire football enthusiasts across India.

Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) is a beacon of Indian football, renowned for breaking barriers, winning international glory, and inspiring future generations with its enduring legacy.

History

1891-1939

Foundation and Early Triumphs

Founded in 1891, Mohammedan SC quickly rose to prominence after its formation in 1891. The club made history by winning its first Calcutta Football League (CFL) title in 1934, becoming the first Indian club to break British dominance. They continued this success by securing five consecutive CFL titles until 1938. Additionally, they won the IFA Shield in 1936.

Key Wins:

  • Calcutta Football League (CFL): 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938
  • IFA Shield: 1936
  • Du Mont Morency Cup: 1939
  • Cooch Behar Cup: 1902, 1906, 1909

Mohammedan SC, the first native Indian team to win the league.

1940-1960

Post-Independence Glory and International Success

Key Wins:

  • Calcutta Football League (CFL): 1940, 1941, 1948, 1957
  • Durand Cup: 1940
  • IFA Shield: 1941
  • Aga Khan Gold Cup: 1960
  • IFA Shield: 1942, 1957
  • Rovers Cup: 1940, 1956, 1959
  • DCM Trophy: 1958
  • Cooch Behar Cup: 1947, 1952

The 1940s and 1950s were golden decades for Mohammedan SC. A key event in this period was their first Durand Cup win in 1940. In 1941, 1948, 1957 the club secured its Calcutta Football League Cup. A major milestone came in 1960 when Mohammedan SC became the first Indian club to win a trophy on foreign soil by clinching the Aga Khan Gold Cup in Dhaka. Other notable victories include the IFA Shield in 1942 and 1957 and multiple Rovers Cup wins in 1940, 1956, and 1959.

1940 CFL winning team.

1961-1980

Sustaining Success

Key Wins:

  • Calcutta Football League (CFL): 1967
  • IFA Shield: 1971
  • Rovers Cup: 1980
  • Sait Nagjee Trophy: 1971
  • Independence Day Cup: 1969, 1971, 1972
  • Stafford Challenge Cup: 1968, 1970
  • Sri Krishna Gold Cup: 1965, 1966
  • DCM Trophy: 1961, 1964, 1980
  • Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup: 1980
  • Kalinga Cup: 1964

During the 1960s and 1970s, Mohammedan SC maintained its competitive edge. They won the CFL in 1967, remaining unbeaten throughout the season, and secured the IFA Shield in 1971 without conceding a goal. In 1981, they won another CFL title, followed by their first Federation Cup victory in 1983. The club also won the Rovers Cup in 1980 and 1984, and the Nizam Gold Cup in 1983.

The Team from 1971

1981-2000

Challenges and Resilience

The late 20th century saw Mohammedan SC facing various challenges but still achieving notable successes. They won the Federation Cup twice, in 1983 and 1984, and also secured multiple trophies like the Rovers Cup (1980, 1984, 1987) and the DCM Trophy (1961, 1964, 1980). Despite the evolving competitive landscape, these victories demonstrated the club’s resilience and continued significance in Indian football.

Key Wins:

  • Federation Cup: 1983–84, 1984–85
  • Rovers Cup: 1984, 1987
  • Sait Nagjee Trophy: 1984, 1991, 1992
  • All Airlines Gold Cup: 1986, 1996
  • Independence Day Cup: 1988
  • Kalinga Cup: 1991
  • Darjeeling Gold Cup: 1984
  • Stafford Challenge Cup: 1981, 1991
  • Nizam Gold Cup: 1983

Mohammedan Sporting Club Football team, Dhaka (1987)

2001-2020

Revival and New Milestones

The new millennium brought both challenges and triumphs for Mohammedan SC. A significant achievement came in the 2013-14 season when the club won both the Durand Cup and the IFA Shield, marking a major resurgence. The club also won the I-League 2nd Division in the 2019-20 season. These victories highlighted the club’s enduring spirit and capability to compete at the highest levels.

Key Wins:

  • Durand Cup: 2013
  • IFA Shield: 2014
  • I-League 2nd Division: 2019-20
  • NFL 2nd Division: 2004–05
  • Steel Express Cup: 2001, 2011, 2018
  • Bodoland Martyrs Gold Cup: 2004, 2018
  • All Airlines Gold Cup: 2010
  • Kalinga Cup: 2012
  • Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup: 2016, 2019
  • Independence Day Cup: 2007

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh introduced with Mohammedan players in 2006–07 NFL

2021-Present

Recent Achievements and Future Aspirations

Key Wins:

  • I-League: 2023-24
  • Calcutta Football League (CFL): 2021, 2022, 2023
  • Durand Cup: Runners-up (2021)
  • Banga Bibhushan: 2022

In recent years, Mohammedan SC has continued to make strides in Indian football. They won the I-League in the 2023-24 season, securing promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL). This historic achievement marks a new chapter for the club, poised to compete among the elite in Indian football. They also won the Calcutta Football League consecutively in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Key events in this period include the leadership change in 2016 and the I-League victory, which have set the stage for a promising future.

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