Emami East Bengal FC will take on Sreenidi Deccan FC in the inaugural match of the 2025 IFA Shield at the Kalyani Stadium tomorrow afternoon, as the 132-year old tournament returns after a three-year hiatus. The match, scheduled to commence at 3 PM, will be open to all spectators, as declared by the Indian Football Association.
The 125th edition of the historic tournament is set to feature six teams across two groups. East Bengal has been placed in Group A alongside Sreenidi Deccan FC and Namdhari FC, while Group B will see MB Super Giant, United SC and Gokulam Kerala FC compete against each other. The two group winners will face each other in the final on 18 October.
Under Head Coach Oscar Bruzon’s stewardship, the Red & Golds showcased resilience in the Durand Cup earlier in the season, reaching the semi-finals before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Diamond Harbour FC.
EEB last faced Sreenidi Deccan in a group stage match of the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup, which they won 2-1, thanks to goals from Javier Siverio and Hijazi Maher.
As explained by EEB first team assistant coach Bino George in the pre-tournament press conference, the 29-time IFA Shield champions will field a full-strength squad in the competition, including experienced and young domestic players, and the overseas contingent.
“We are well aware of East Bengal’s great legacy in the IFA Shield. We have won this tournament the most number of times, so we are very serious about it. Our players have been training diligently and relentlessly since our Durand Cup semi-final exit. Our squad has a good mix of experience and youth, and some of the younger players will draw confidence from our consecutive Calcutta Football League triumphs. We would like to thank the IFA for reviving the Shield and organising such high-quality competitive matches before the Super Cup,” said Bino George.
EEB midfielder Mohammed Rashid said, “Everyone in the team felt the pain of the supporters after our Durand Cup exit. The loss has made us hungrier to do well in the IFA Shield. We are determined to win the Shield for our supporters, for the badge and to live up to East Bengal’s legacy in this prestigious tournament.”
The match can be streamed live on the SSEN app.