Mohun Bagan clinched the IFA Shield with a hard‑fought 1–0 victory over East Bengal, thanks to a brilliantly executed move finished by Samir Zeljkovic in first‑half stoppage time.
The match was intense, physical, and filled with derby drama , exactly what Kolkata expects from its biggest rivalry.
East Bengal began aggressively, pressing high and creating the first big chance in 6’ when Edmund Lalrindika broke through one‑on‑one, before Vishal Kaith made a superb save to deny the opener.
This was East Bengal’s best moment of the match.
Mohun Bagan grew into the game soon after , and in 23’, Mehtab headed over from a corner. In 36’ , Chhangte forced a sharp save from Lachenpa and at 37’ Sahal hit a half‑volley that Lachenpa punched away.
A beautifully constructed move at 44′ when, Edmund lost the ball and Zeljkovic laid it off to Sahal. Sahal waited… then dinked a perfect chip over the defence for Zeljkovic who ran into space and finished past Lachenpa (1-0)
Mohun Bagan entered halftime deservedly ahead.
Second Half was all about chaos, collisions, and missed chances.
In 46’ , Chhangte skies a big chance inside the box, he blasted over. Then in 48’ , Sahal collides with Lachenpa for a long ball led to a heavy collision; play was paused.
In the 57’ Mandi clashed heads with Drazic and Drazic was found profusely bleeding. Referee booked Mandi.
In 62’ , Zeljkovic nearly doubled the lead, as he broke through again but shot from a tight angle. Lachenpa saved the goal.
Loba and Vishnu added pace for East Bengal soon. Crosses, corners, long balls followed, all were cleared by Mohun Bagan’s tall defensive line.
Mohun Bagan surely had precision in the final third.
The Mariners’ win was built on,
- Vishal’s early save
- Sahal’s creativity
- Zeljkovic’s composure
- Chhangte’s pressure
- Strong defensive organisation
- Drazic’s brilliant efforts
