Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged victorious in another thrilling Kolkata Derby, defeating archrival East Bengal 1-0 in the IFA Shield final at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday. A first-half strike from Samir Zeljkovic proved decisive as the Mariners successfully defended their crown.
The victory handed Mohun Bagan its 22nd IFA Shield title, bringing the club closer to East Bengal’s record tally of 29 titles. It also provided the Mariners with sweet revenge after their defeat to the Red and Gold Brigade in last month’s Durand Cup final.
With several Indian internationals returning to their respective clubs following national team commitments against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay, both sides fielded strengthened line-ups for the much-anticipated encounter.
East Bengal made an encouraging start and nearly grabbed an early advantage. In the sixth minute, Edmund Lalrindika found himself in a promising position after receiving a through ball, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith produced an important save to keep the scores level.
The Mariners gradually settled into the contest and created opportunities of their own. Defender Mehtab Singh wasted a golden chance when he headed over the crossbar from close range despite being unmarked.
Lallianzuala Chhangte and Sahal Abdul Samad also tested East Bengal goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, who made crucial interventions to deny the opposition.
However, Mohun Bagan finally found the breakthrough just before the half-time whistle.
Sahal delivered a well-judged lofted pass into the penalty area, where Bosnian midfielder Samir Zeljkovic showed excellent control. After bringing the ball down with his chest, Zeljkovic fired past Lachenpa to give the Mariners a vital 1-0 lead.
Trailing at the interval, East Bengal returned for the second half determined to restore parity. The Red and Gold Brigade increased their attacking pressure in search of an equaliser, but Mohun Bagan held firm to protect its slender advantage.
Despite East Bengal’s efforts, the Mariners successfully maintained their lead until the final whistle, securing another memorable derby triumph and retaining the prestigious trophy.
The two Kolkata giants will now shift their attention to the Indian Super League, scheduled to begin on October 10.
Mohun Bagan will open its campaign against NorthEast United FC on October 12, while East Bengal will begin its title defence with an away fixture against Churchill Brothers on October 18.
For Mohun Bagan, the Shield triumph provides a timely confidence boost ahead of the new league campaign, while East Bengal will look to bounce back from the narrow derby defeat.
