Tag: mohunbagan

Bagan wins IFA Shield

Mohun Bagan clinched the 126th edition IFA Shield with a hard‑fought 1–0 victory over arch rivals East Bengal, thanks to a brilliantly executed move finished by Samir Zeljkovic a few moments before the lemon break.

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). Let’s cherish the joyous moment once more.

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 and enough conviction to emerge the winners of the prestigious tournament for the 31st time.

The Mariners’ win was built on, 

  • Vishal’s early save
  • Sahal’s creativity
  • Zeljkovic’s composure
  • Chhangte’s pressure
  • Strong defensive organisation
  • The Hero of the Match – Drazic’s brilliant and valiant efforts with 7 stiches on head

A Four‑Goal surge as Sayan earns praises

Sayan Banerjee earns praises in Mohun Bagan’s season opener againat Patha Chakra at the Mohun Bagan ground.

The match evolved from a tense tactical contest into a commanding four‑goal victory, defined by early control, second‑half precision, and a dramatic stoppage‑time surge that overwhelmed the opposition.

 

The opening stages were tight, with both sides probing cautiously and focusing on midfield stability. The deadlock finally broke in the 22nd minute, when sustained pressure paid off. A well‑constructed move down the flank opened space inside the box, leading to a composed finish that gave the attacking side a deserved 1–0 lead.

The goal shifted momentum decisively. The leading team grew more confident in possession, while the opponents struggled to maintain defensive shape and rarely threatened in transition.

Patha Chakra attempted to reset after the break, pushing higher and trying to disrupt buildup play. But Mohun Bagan remained calm, circulating the ball with patience and waiting for openings.

 

Their moment arrived in the 65th minute. A swift counterattack sliced through midfield, ending with a powerful strike that doubled the lead. At 2–0, the match tilted firmly toward the eventual winners, who began to dictate tempo with authority.

What had been a controlled performance suddenly transformed into a late‑game demolition.

 

93rd minute: A set‑piece scramble inside the box ended with a close‑range finish, stretching the score to 3–0 and extinguishing any remaining hope for the opposition.

 

97th minute: With the opponents fully committed forward, a final counterattack produced the fourth goal — a crisp, clinical strike that capped a ruthless stoppage‑time surge.

 

Two goals in four minutes showcased superior fitness, sharper decision‑making, and relentless pressure until the final whistle.

 

 

 

6th August: A memorable day for Bagan

Common people across the globe solemnly observe today as the Hiroshima Day. For the mariners, today’s date i.e. 6th August is very significant in terms of derby clash. 

In 1937, on this date, Mohun Bagan clinched the then prestigious Raja Shield with thumping win over arch rivals East Bengal by a 4-0 margin. Asit Ganguly scored a brilliant hattrick, which was only the second feat after Amiyo Deb, also from Bagan. Again, on August 6th 1978, the Maidan saw one of  the most spectacular goals of all time scored by Shyam Thapa in the Calcutta Football League with his iconic back-volley helping Mohun Bagan seal the exciting ‘boro match’ again.

So, the same rivals were at the receiving end on both the occasions on the same date. For them, the pinch is no less than the infamous Hiroshima bombs. Now, let’s throw back to those unforgettable glories.