Kolkata, October 8: The iconic 132nd edition of the IFA Shield kicked off today with a fixture between East Bengal FC and Sreenidi Deccan at the Kalyani Stadium. The most successful team in the history of the tournament, East Bengal FC, secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Hyderabad based club Sreenidi Deccan.
Foreigner-less Sreenidi Deccan lined up their squad with a mostly development-based team, while East Bengal FC fielded their senior team with four foreigners in their starting eleven. From the first whistle, East Bengal FC displayed attacking intensity. The Sreenidi Deccan defense was alert in the early stages, however, the deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute, when debutant Jay Gupta opened the scoring for the Red and Gold.
Within the 7th minute, East Bengal FC created an effective move as Saul Crespo attempted a shot from inside the box, but Jaydeep Sharma intercepted to clear the threat. In the very next minute, East Bengal FC found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. In the 17th minute, East Bengal FC launched another effective attack. Hamid Ahdad received the ball from Miguel on the left and passed it to Bipin Singh, but Bipin missed a scoring opportunity from close range from left inside the box.
In the 22nd minute, debutant Jay Gupta broke the deadlock. Hamid Ahdad earned a free-kick, and Miguel stepped up to take it. Although Sreenidi Deccan’s keeper saved the attempt, Jay Gupta followed up on the rebound and sent the ball into the net. In the 38th minute, from a Bipin Singh cross on the left, Saul Crespo headed the ball into the net to double the scoreline.
East Bengal FC resumed the game in the second half exactly where they had left off. Early in the 49th minute, they scored their third goal. Another cross from the left by Bipin Singh found Hamid Ahdad, who calmly placed it into the net.
Just two minutes later, substitute Jeakson Singh scored the fourth goal for the Red and Gold with a powerful header.
East Bengal continued launching attacks, while on the other side, Sreenidi Deccan didn’t attempt a single shot in the first half and failed to pose any threat to Debjit. In the 88th minute, East Bengal created their last most effective goal-bound move. Edmund received the ball from the right, entered the box, and unleashed a shot, but the Sreenidi Deccan goalkeeper made a stunning save by stretching out his leg.
Analysis:
East Bengal FC produced a commanding all-round performance in the opening match of the 132nd edition of the IFA Shield, controlling the tempo from start to finish. They dominated possession, pressed high, and consistently created chances through quick transitions and sharp wing play.
The team’s coordination between midfield and attack was fluid, with their foreign recruits adding composure and creativity. Sreenidi Deccan, relying on a young development-based squad, struggled to keep up with the pace and intensity, spending most of the match in their own half and rarely threatening the East Bengal defense. The Red and Gold’s structured pressing, organized build-up, and confident passing not only set the tone for the tournament but also reflected their tactical discipline and winning mentality.
Next fixtures:
Sreenidi Deccan will play against Namdhari on October 11, at Kalyani Stadium. East Bengal FC will play against Namdhari SC on October 14 at Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
East Bengal FC vs Sreenidi Deccan IFA Shield 2025 match highlight
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