On a night soaked in emotion, history, and sheer drama, Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched their 21st IFA Shield title, defeating arch-rivals East Bengal in a pulsating final that stretched beyond two hours before being decided via a penalty shootout at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.
It was Mehtab Singh, the former East Bengal defender who honed his career in Kolkata, who calmly slotted home the decisive penalty. His composed finish sent East Bengal goalkeeper Debjit Majumder the wrong way, igniting wild celebrations across the Green-and-Maroon stands.
The triumph marked Mohun Bagan’s first IFA Shield win in 22 years, adding another glorious chapter to a legacy that began with their historic 1911 victory over Yorkshire Regiment. Once again, the Green-and-Maroon brigade etched their name into IFA Shield folklore.
Vishal Kaith — The Big-Game Hero
Just like so many times before, it was Vishal Kaith who rose to the occasion when his team needed him the most. The dependable goalkeeper saved a crucial penalty from Jay Gupta, which ultimately proved to be the difference in a tense shootout.
“I knew I had to stop one or two penalties for my team, that was my mindset,” said a modest Kaith after the match. “This is for the club and the fans. It’s my job to give my best whenever my team needs me.”
Kaith’s record in penalty shootouts has now become a hallmark of his career, a testament to his composure under pressure.
Vishal Kaith’s Penalty Shootout Record:
1. vs Hyderabad FC (ISL 2022–23 SF)- Mohun Bagan Won
2. vs Bengaluru FC (ISL 2022–23 Final) – Mohun Bagan Won
3. vs Hyderabad FC (Hero Playoff) – Mohun Bagan Won
4. vs Punjab FC (2024 Durand Cup QF) – Mohun Bagan Won
5. vs Bengaluru FC (2024 Durand Cup SF) – Mohun Bagan Won
6. vs NorthEast United (2024 Durand Cup Final) – Mohun Bagan Lost
7. vs East Bengal (2025 IFA Shield Final) – Mohun Bagan Won
Except for one occasion, Kaith has never let his team down in a shootout.
Apuia Shines Again in Midfield
While Kaith took the spotlight at the end, credit must also go to Apuia Ralte, arguably one of the most technically gifted and versatile Indian midfielders. His precise finish brought Mohun Bagan back into the game after East Bengal had drawn first blood.
Earlier, Jason Cummings missed a golden opportunity to put Mohun Bagan ahead, failing to convert from the spot. Within three minutes of that miss, East Bengal punished them through Hamid Ahadad, who showed his striker’s instinct to tap home from a quick counterattack.
Just when it seemed East Bengal would head into halftime with the lead, Apuia struck back with a moment of brilliance, levelling the score at 1–1.
“At first, I thought it wasn’t a goal,” Apuia said with a smile after the match. “Then I saw the linesman’s signal and was elated to contribute once again for my team.”
Since last season, Apuia has quietly been the engine in Mohun Bagan’s midfield, dictating play with intelligence and control and Saturday was no different.
Bruzon Proud Despite Defeat
Despite the heartbreak, East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon was full of praise for his players’ spirit and determination. “East Bengal didn’t lose the match — they lost the tiebreaker,” he said. “The boys fought till the very end.”
Indeed, the past two derbies have rekindled the fierce competitiveness that once defined this iconic rivalry — something many felt had waned in recent years. Between 2019 and 2023, Mohun Bagan enjoyed their longest unbeaten derby streak, winning eight consecutive encounters, including all meetings in the ISL era.
But East Bengal’s recent performances have reignited belief among their supporters. After their Durand Cup quarter-final win earlier this season, the Red-and-Golds once again pushed their rivals to the brink in the IFA Shield final — only for fate to tip the scales toward the Mariners.
The next assignment for both teams is the upcoming Super Cup in Goa, scheduled to begin on October 25. Drawn in the same group, the two Kolkata rivals are unlikely to face stiff competition from the other teams in their group — Chennaiyin FC, who are fielding an all-Indian squad this time, and Dempo SC, who were drafted in late after Real Kashmir withdrew due to internal issues. Dempo, too, will feature an all-Indian lineup.
With only the group winners advancing to the semi-finals, the Derby clash in the final group-stage fixture is set to decide who goes through.
Also Read: Shootout Decides Dramatic Derby: Mohun Bagan Snatch 21st IFA Shield Title
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