Kolkata, Oct 9:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated arch-rivals East Bengal 1-0 to clinch their 22nd IFA Shield title, with Samir Zeljkovic scoring the decisive goal in a fiercely contested Kolkata Derby final at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.
Zeljkovic found the net in first-half stoppage time after a well-constructed attacking move involving Sahal Abdul Samad. Sahal delivered a chipped pass over the defence, allowing Zeljkovic to run into space and finish past East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
East Bengal began aggressively and created an early opportunity through Edmund Lalrindika, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith produced an important save. Mohun Bagan gradually settled into the contest and created chances through Sahal and other attacking players before taking the lead.
The second half was marked by physical challenges and missed opportunities. East Bengal pressed for an equaliser, sending crosses into the penalty area and attempting to exploit set-pieces, but Mohun Baganâs defence held firm to preserve the advantage.
The victory provided Mohun Bagan with a measure of revenge after their defeat to East Bengal in the Durand Cup final earlier in the season. The triumph also offered the Mariners a confidence boost ahead of the upcoming domestic campaign.
Although Mohun Bagan have now won the IFA Shield 22 times, East Bengal remain the competitionâs most successful club with 29 titles.