Kolkata, October 14: East Bengal FC secured their place in the grand final of the IFA Shield 2025–26 with a 2–0 victory over Namdhari SC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Monday.
Within moments of the first whistle, East Bengal started applying attacking pressure. And by the end of the first quarter, in the 19th minute, East Bengal FC took the lead. From another goal-bound attack inside the six-yard box from left, Miguel attempted a close-range header that deflected off the post. The Namdhari defense tried to clear the rebound, but the ball fell to Rashid, who unleashed a powerful long-range shot on target to give the Red and Gold the lead.
Namdhari got a few chances but failed to pose any real threat to the East Bengal defense. On the other hand, East Bengal FC continued their attacking pressure and doubled their lead before the end of the first half. David had earlier missed several opportunities to make effective assists or scores, but he remained active in the attacking third. Eventually, he set the tone for the goal and provided the assist to Vishnu. In the 41st minute, David passed the ball to Vishnu, who cut past his marker and calmly placed the ball into the net.
In the second half, in the 55th minute, East Bengal got another scoring opportunity. From the left, Vishnu entered the box and unleashed a close-range shot, which deflected off Balkaran and went over the crossbar. In the very next minute, Namdhari SC probably had their best chance of the match to reduce the deficit. Osei got the opportunity and, in a one-on-one situation, cut past Prabsukhan Gill and attempted a shot, but Rakip handled the threat and cleared the ball.
In the 68th minute, Namdhari SC had to make a forced change as Jaskaranpreet failed to continue due to injury, and Lotjem came on in his place. In the 87th minute, Namdhari SC created two back-to-back chances but failed to convert. Osei passed the ball to Lotjem, who took a shot, but Gill made a comfortable catch. In the next minute, Conceicao attempted a long-range shot, but it went wide.
In the second half, both teams played at a slower pace and created only a few chances, but no goals were scored. Namdhari SC ended their campaign here, while East Bengal FC booked the first spot in the final of the IFA Shield 2025–26. It was a well-deserved win for the Red and Gold brigade, who maintained control throughout the match with their dominant attacking play and solid defense. With this victory, the most successful team of IFA Shield now moves one step closer to lifting the historic trophy.
There is a chance to witness another highly anticipated Kolkata Derby, as Mohun Bagan SG will play their final group fixture of the IFA Shield 2025–26 tomorrow against the United Sports Club. If Mohun Bagan wins, we could see a thrilling derby in the final. However, if United Sports wins, the excitement will remain just as high, with the Kolkata clash set to take place on the grand stage of the final.
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