Mohun Bagan Edge East Bengal to Retain IFA Shield

by Chandler D'silva October 9, 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant claimed Kolkata Derby bragging rights with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over East Bengal in the IFA Shield final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday. Samir Zeljkovic’s first-half strike proved decisive as the Mariners successfully defended their title, lifting the prestigious trophy for the 22nd time and avenging their heavy defeat in the Durand Cup final earlier this season.

The contest began with East Bengal looking dangerous in attack. Edmund Lalrindika, who had scored a hat-trick against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup final, came close to opening the scoring, but goalkeeper Vishal Kaith produced an important save to keep the Mariners in the game. Mohun Bagan gradually found their rhythm and began creating chances of their own, with Mehtab Singh going close with a header.

The breakthrough arrived just before half-time. Sahal Abdul Samad delivered a clever chipped pass into the penalty area, where Zeljkovic controlled the ball with his chest before calmly finishing to give Mohun Bagan the lead. The goal gave the defending champions a crucial advantage heading into the break.

East Bengal pushed forward after the restart in search of an equaliser, increasing the pressure as the match entered its closing stages. Lukasz Zwolinski came close with a header but failed to find the target, while Kaith made another important save to deny the Polish forward. Mohun Bagan’s defence remained organised under pressure, with Dejan Drazic also putting in a determined performance to help protect the lead.

Despite East Bengal’s late attempts, the Mariners held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time to secure the victory. The result offered Mohun Bagan a measure of revenge after their 4-1 defeat to East Bengal in the Durand Cup final in August and ensured they retained the IFA Shield crown.

For Mohun Bagan, the triumph adds another chapter to their rich history in the competition. For East Bengal, the narrow defeat will be disappointing after their emphatic run to the final, but the rivalry between Indian football’s two historic Kolkata clubs continues to deliver high-stakes encounters and memorable moments.

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