Mohun Bagan defeats East Bengal 1-0 to win 22nd IFA Shield

Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged East Bengal 1-0 in the IFA Shield final at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday, securing their 22nd title in the historic tournament. Samir Zeljkovic found the net late in the first half, ending a tightly fought opening spell and giving the Mariners the lead they would hold onto.

Match Summary

East Bengal increased the pressure after the interval, creating several chances in the closing minutes. Their best effort came when Lukasz Zwolinski rose to meet a cross from Ikonomidis after a swift combination involving captain Bashim Rashid, but his header sailed over the bar. Earlier in the second half, goalkeeper Vishal Kaith produced a sharp reflex save, diving to his right to block a close‑range shot from Zwolinski.

Flashpoint

Mid‑field tussle saw Dejan Drazic and Sandeep Mandi clash heads while contesting a ball, both collapsing to the ground. Drazic, despite bleeding, stayed on and delivered a solid defensive display, making timely tackles that helped blunt East Bengal’s late surge.

Context

The victory serves as a direct response to Mohun Bagan’s 4-1 loss to East Bengal in the Durand Cup final earlier this season. With the win, the club adds another chapter to its IFA Shield legacy, while East Bengal missed the chance to claim a record 30th Shield crown.