The 125th IFA Shield final has been played between East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant. This derby match had everything - drama, passion and tension. Both teams played brilliantly for 120 minutes. Finally, a tense penalty shoot-out helped Mohunbagan to win the title of IFA Shield after 22 years.
The match came to life in the 37th minute when East Bengal’s Moroccan striker Hamid Ahadad hit the first goal with a brilliant finish. A stunning goal from the midfielder Apuia in added time just before half-time helped Mohan Bagan level the scoreline. This goal made the contest more interesting with the scoreline indicating 1-1.
Stalemate and shoot-out tension
The score remained 1-1 in the second half. The final score was left to be decided by the penalty shootout, where Mohan Bagan emerged victorious in the shootout by a margin of 5-4. Dimitri Petratos scored the 4th goal for Mohunbagan in the penalty shootout. East Bengal’s Jay Gupta’s penalty was saved by Mohan Bagan Super Giant keeper Vishal Kaith. In the end, the Greens and Maroons converted the decisive spot-kick to lift the trophy after Mehtab's direct shot into the net.
The victory helped Mohun Bagan Super Giants to touch their 21st IFA Shield title, their first IFA Shield since 2003. East Bengal was looking to extend their own tally to 30 but they were left to regret with missed chances and the penalty reversal.
Derby stakes and passion
The East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant fixture is a cultural spectacle. The final exhibited why the derby remains Indian football’s fiercest rivalry. Every tackle, every substitution, every fan chant reflected decades of rivalry and pride.
Under the floodlights of Salt Lake Stadium, Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s endurance paid off, allowing them to reclaim glory in a dramatic fashion. East Bengal’s fans watched heart-in-mouth as the shoot-out slipped away. For both clubs, this final will be remembered not just for the trophy but for the raw emotion, legacy and vengeance. This match is proof that in football, the long droughts always make the sweetest victories.
