22 Years Later, Glory Repeats. Mohun Bagan SG Beat East Bengal FC to Lift IFA Shield 2025.
Kolkata, October 18: In the ongoing IFA Shield Final, under the floodlights of Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Mohun Bagan Super Giant sealed a victory over East Bengal FC 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw to lift the IFA Shield 2025, marking their 21st IFA Shield title. It was the first IFA Shield final between the two giants in 22 years, with Bagan once again claiming glory, just as they did with a 5–3 win in 2003.
Ahead of the final, Jose Molina urged supporters to “forget the outside things for ninety minutes, they are important to achive win.” They came — silent, unmoved, voicing nothing after the club’s AFC setback. But when Mehtab’s final kick sealed the title, that silence exploded into chants, tears, and celebrations.
The match started at a high tempo with both sides creating early chances. In the 8th minute, Mohun Bagan came close through a quick combination play involving Maclaren, whose shot was brilliantly saved. East Bengal responded in the 19th minute through Mahesh, but his effort was comfortably collected by Vishal.
In the 31st minute, Bagan earned a penalty after Maclaren was fouled inside the box by Anwar. Cummings, however, failed to convert as Cummings sent the ball over the crossbar . Just four minutes later, East Bengal took the lead through Hamid, who calmly slotted home from close range. Hamid nearly doubled the lead in the 42nd minute but was denied by the post.
On the stroke of halftime, Green and Maroon found their equaliser. Apuia unleashed a stunning long-range strike that rattled the crossbar and bounced into the net, making it 1–1 at the break.
The second half saw end-to-end action but no goals. Robson came close from a free kick, while Miguel tested debutant Hiroshi with a well-placed effort. In added time, Mehtab’s header was kept out by a sharp save from Prabsukhan Gill, taking the match into extra time.
In the dying moments of extra time at 102nd minute, Maclaren had a golden chance but failed to convert from inside the box, when Robson placed a well ball from the right inside of the box, sending the match to penalties.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric in the Red And Gold side, while the Green and Maroon gallary was calm, as players lined up for the shootout. Robson stepped up first and made no mistake. Manvir, Liston, Dimi and finally Mehtab followed with calm and composure. East Bengal matched each kick until Kevin Siblle stepped up, and missed. That one miss proved decisive. Mohun Bagan converted all five of their penalties, winning 5–4 and which brock the gallery’s silence and made them celebrate finnally.
This was no ordinary final. It marked the first time in 22 years that the senior teams of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal faced each other in an IFA Shield final. The last time was in 2003, Mohun Bagan won 5–3. Two decades later, history repeated itself. Different era, same rivalry, same winner.
Watch East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan SG IFA Shield 2025 final highlights
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