Mohun Bagan Super Giant once again had the last word in the Kolkata Derby, defeating arch-rivals East Bengal 1-0 in a tense IFA Shield final at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday. Samir Zeljkovic’s first-half strike proved decisive as the Mariners successfully defended their IFA Shield crown and added another chapter to one of Indian football’s most celebrated rivalries.
The victory was particularly satisfying for Mohun Bagan after East Bengal had inflicted a heavy 4-1 defeat on them in the Durand Cup final earlier this season. This time, however, the Mariners produced a much more disciplined performance, with their defense and goalkeeper Vishal Kaith standing firm when East Bengal pushed for an equalizer.
The result also secured Mohun Bagan’s 22nd IFA Shield title, while East Bengal remains the competition’s most successful club with 29 championships.
East Bengal Start Brightly
The final began with the intensity expected from a Kolkata Derby. East Bengal looked energetic during the opening exchanges and created the first major opportunity of the evening.
Edmund Lalrindika, who had been the hero of East Bengal’s remarkable Durand Cup final victory after scoring a hat-trick against Mohun Bagan, found himself with an early chance to repeat his heroics. This time, though, Vishal Kaith denied him with an important save.
That save would prove significant as Mohun Bagan gradually grew into the contest.
The Mariners began finding more space in midfield and started putting pressure on the East Bengal defence. The match remained closely contested, with neither side able to establish complete control.
Zeljkovic Breaks the Deadlock
Just when the first half appeared to be heading towards a goalless conclusion, Mohun Bagan found the breakthrough.
In the 45th minute, Sahal Abdul Samad produced a beautifully weighted chipped pass into the East Bengal penalty area. Samir Zeljovic controlled the ball brilliantly with his chest, created the necessary space, and calmly finished past goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.
It was a moment of individual quality in an otherwise closely fought first half.
The goal gave Mohun Bagan a crucial 1-0 advantage going into the interval and forced East Bengal to chase the game after the break.
East Bengal Pushes for an Equalizer
East Bengal returned for the second half, determined to level the contest. Head coach Antonio López Habas responded by introducing additional attacking options, with Lukasz Zwolinski and Ake Arnaud Loba coming on as the Torch Bearers looked for greater penetration in the final third.
The pressure increased as the game entered its final stages.
Mohun Bagan, however, remained organized. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, the Mariners concentrated on protecting their lead and looking for opportunities on the counterattack.
They nearly doubled their advantage when Lallianzuala Chhangte unleashed a powerful effort that narrowly missed the target.
East Bengal continued to push forward, but the final pass and finishing touch repeatedly eluded them.
Kaith Stands Tall
As the minutes ticked away, Vishal Kaith became increasingly important for Mohun Bagan.
East Bengal came closest to finding the equaliser in the 87th minute. Dani Ramírez delivered a dangerous ball into the box, and Zwolinski managed to get his head to it. However, the striker failed to make clean contact, allowing Mohun Bagan to survive another major scare.
Seven minutes of injury time gave East Bengal one final opportunity to rescue the match.
The Torch Bearers won consecutive corners deep into stoppage time and threw bodies forward, but Mohun Bagan’s defense held firm. The final whistle eventually confirmed a 1-0 victory for the Mariners.
Sweet Revenge for Mohun Bagan
For Mohun Bagan, the triumph carries significance beyond simply winning another trophy.
Their 4-1 defeat to East Bengal in the Durand Cup final had been one of the most painful results of their recent derby history. East Bengal had dominated that contest, with Lalrindika scoring a spectacular first-half hat-trick.
Two months later, Mohun Bagan responded in the most appropriate fashion—by defeating their rivals in another final and lifting the trophy themselves.
The victory also means that Mohun Bagan have successfully defended the IFA Shield, having won last year’s final against East Bengal on penalties.
For East Bengal, meanwhile, the defeat will be difficult to digest. They had entered the final with confidence following their dominant Durand Cup campaign but ultimately could not reproduce that attacking efficiency against a more disciplined Mohun Bagan side.
Another Chapter in the Kolkata Derby
Few football rivalries carry the emotional weight of Mohun Bagan versus East Bengal. Every meeting is more than a football match, and when silverware is at stake, the intensity reaches another level.
Thursday’s final was not a goal-fest. It did not contain the drama of the 4-1 Durand Cup final or the chaos that often accompanies a Kolkata Derby.
Instead, it was decided by one moment of quality and a determined defensive performance.
Samir Zeljkovic supplied the decisive moment. Sahal Abdul Samad supplied the assist. Vishal Kaith supplied the security at the other end.
Together, they delivered Mohun Bagan another piece of silverware.
The Mariners can now celebrate their 22nd IFA Shield title, while East Bengal are left to reflect on a missed opportunity to reach the historic 30-title mark.
The rivalry, however, is far from over.
With the new Indian Super League season beginning on October 10, both clubs will quickly have to turn their attention towards their next challenge. For Mohun Bagan, the confidence from another derby victory could provide valuable momentum. For East Bengal, the task will be to recover quickly and ensure that Thursday’s disappointment does not derail their season.
For one night, at least, Kolkata belongs to the Green and Maroon.
Final Score: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 East Bengal
Goal: Samir Zeljkovic (45′)
Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Competition: IFA Shield Final 2026
Result: Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned champions.
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