Goal-Less First Half in IFA Shield Final as Kolkata Derby Stays Even

Goal-less at the half-time break, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal remain tied at zero in the IFA Shield 2026 final at the Salt Lake Stadium. This clash marks the fifth meeting between the two arch-rivals this year and their second cup final matchup of the season.

Action on the Field

Both teams traded early chances during a fast-paced opening half before entering a hydration break near the thirty-minute mark. East Bengal goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa stopped a long-range shot from Lallianzuala Chhangte and later blocked an effort by Sahal Abdul Samad. Mohun Bagan's Lee Harry Erwin missed wide on a solo left-side run, while Mehtab Singh sent a header just over the crossbar from an Abhishek Singh Tekcham cross.

Team Lineups

Antonio Lopez Habas leads East Bengal with a starting eleven featuring Lachenpa, Hardik, Nunga, Mandi, Zivulic, Jay, Jeakson, Rashid, Ramirez, Bipin, and David Lalhlansanga. Panagiotis Dilmperis puts out a Mohun Bagan side with Kaith in goal, alongside Bheke, Mehtab, Rodriguez, Tekcham, Zeljkovic, Sahal, Tangri, Drazic, Chhangte, and Erwin.

Context

The IFA Shield ranks among India's oldest football tournaments, carrying deep historical significance for fans in Kolkata and across the country. Matches between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan regularly draw massive crowds and intense local rivalry, with both clubs fighting for regional supremacy year after year.