Dimitrios Petratos and Jason Cummings led the way as Mohun Bagan Super Giant won 2 0 in the group stage of the IFA Shield in a game at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday and earned a place in the 41st IFA Shield final. With this, the Mariners will take on arch-rival Bengal in a long-awaited Kolkata Derby battle at Salt Lake Stadium on October 18.
The outcome not only proves the position of Bagan in the title match but also resumes its good domestic streak this season. The next IFA Shield Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal final will be a combative event, and both clubs seek to prove their supremacy in Kolkata football.
Petratos, Cummings Shine as Bagan Marches Into the IFA Shield Final
With several first-team regulars missing, including captain Subhasish Bose, Lalengmawia Ralte, and Liston Colaco all away on national duty for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore, head coach José Francisco Molina opted to test his squad depth. His decision paid off handsomely as Bagan produced a disciplined performance to outclass United SC.
Dimitrios Petratos broke the deadlock just before half-time, steering home Jason Cummings’ low cross from the left in the 45th minute. After the break, Cummings almost added his own name to the scoresheet when his volley, initially saved by goalkeeper Subrata Santra, rolled into the net to double Bagan’s advantage.
United SC’s best opportunity came midway through the second half when Sreenath M’s volley was acrobatically denied by Bagan goalkeeper Syed Zahid Hussain Bukhari.
With this win, Mohun Bagan secured their place in the IFA Shield final, the club’s first since 2018, when they lost to Bengal on penalties.
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IFA Shield History: A Trophy Laden with Legacy
Established in 1893, the IFA Shield is one of the oldest football competitions in Asia. Bagan’s link to the tournament is very symbolic; in 1911, under the banner of the club, Bagan made history by becoming the first Indian side to beat a British team, the East Yorkshire Regiment, in the final of the tournament.
Since then, Bagan has lifted the IFA Shield trophy 20 times, making it the second most successful team in the tournament’s history. However, the last time they won the trophy was back in 2003 when they defeated eternal rivals EBl by 5-4 on penalties. The last time Mohun Bagan reached an IFA Shield final was in 2018, and they also lost to EB 4-2 on penalties.
For the Mariners, the enticing final in the competition offers the possibility of more than just silverware, a chance to stop a 22-year trophy-less run in the tournament.
East Bengal’s Revival: Chasing Third Straight Derby Win
On the other hand, in renewed form, Bengal came to the IFA Shield final. Under the management of Oscar Bruzon, the Red and Gold Brigade has already prospered in derby matches. The team has handily defeated Bagan in both of their encounters this season: their match in the Calcutta Football League and their match in the Durand Cup. The 2–1 victory in the Durand Cup quarterfinal match over Bagan, two goals from Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos to speak of, was also a demonstration of Bengal’s tactical sophistication and attacking decisiveness. It even marked the end of Mohun Bagan’s 19-game unbeaten streak in senior derbies at Salt Lake Stadium. Bruzon’s side has balance, after dominating the period sufficiently to merit offense, with solid team defense on the other end.
Players to Watch in the IFA Shield Final
Mohun Bagan
- Dimitrios Petratos: The Australian playmaker has been in fine form, scoring in the semifinal and orchestrating much of Bagan’s attacking rhythm.
- Jason Cummings: Creative and direct, Cummings’ combination play with Petratos continues to be a threat for any defense.
- Liston Colaco: Expected to return from national duty, his pace and technical ability can stretch Bengal’s backline.
- Jamie MacLaren: Another attacking option capable of changing the game late.
- Syed Zahid Hussain Bukhari: His saves have been crucial in the IFA Shield, assuring the back.
East Bengal
- Dimitrios Diamantakos: A proven derby performer who scored twice in the Durand Cup quarterfinal.
- Hamid Ahadad: Offers physicality and link-up play in the final third.
- Saúl Crespo: The midfield orchestrator responsible for controlling tempo and supply.
- Nandha Kumar: Dangerous from the flanks; known for incisive runs and assists.
Head-to-Head: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal
The IFA Shield Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal rivalry dates back to 1921 and remains Indian football’s most celebrated derby. Across all competitions, the two clubs have met more than 400 times. Bengal holds a narrow edge in historical wins, though Bagan has dominated recent ISL encounters.
In the IFA Shield history, Bengal has defeated Bagan in several iconic finals. including in 1965 and 1974, while Bagan’s last derby win in the tournament came in 2003.
The 2025–26 season has already featured two Kolkata Derbies, both won by Bengal. Saturday’s final will be the Mariners’ opportunity to settle scores and reclaim bragging rights.
Tactical Preview: Where the IFA Shield Final Could Be Won
You can expect Mohun Bagan to focus on possession play and progressing down the wing, involving linking between Petratos and Cummings in advanced areas. Molina’s team will be focused on combinations from set pieces and overloads down the flank, especially if Colaco starts.
East Bengal could take a more compact formation, looking to counter-attack via Diamantakos and Ahadad. The Bengal defense, anchored by Lalchungnunga, will have to deal with the quick switches and interchanges that Bagan can create.
The midfield clash will be an interesting contest between Crespo and Glan Martins to set the tone of the match. Both teams can score from a multitude of positions, and both can disrupt or benefit from small tactics or substitutions.
What Lies Ahead
A victory for Mohun Bagan in the IFA Shield would be massively significant, re-establishing their place as kings of the domestic game and finally ending two decades without a crown. A Derby win for Bengal would accomplish both a derby treble this season and signal their renaissance in Indian football.
As excitement builds in Kolkata, supporters wait for a Derby that embodies history, pride, and rivalry, all wrapped up in the pomp of the IFA Shield.
Amit Mishra’s Take:
The upcoming IFA Shield final between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is not only a football game, but it is a festival of the long-running rivalry and history of Kolkata. Their richness and strength in overcoming the odds, and Petratos and Cummings shine in the process, are evident in how Bagan got to the final, and Bengal’s dominance in the recent past gives the battle additional flavor. History and momentum on each side of the quarter mean that this Derby will be intense, emotional, and tactical brilliance. It goes beyond the cutlery, but it is pride, redemption, and the chapter in the history of Indian football, it so richly deserves to be written in.
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