Kolkata, Oct 18 (UNI) Mohun Bagan Super Giant won its first IFA Shield in 22 years, beating arch rival East Bengal 5-4 on penalties in the final of the tournament at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday.
Mehtab Singh’s winning penalty means Mohun Bagan Super Giant has successfully overcome East Bengal in the IFA Shield final to win the trophy after 22 years. The victory marks Bagan’s 21st IFA Shield and its first Kolkata derby win of the season.
The 90 minutes regulation time and 30 minutes stoppage time ended 1-1.
East Bengal took the lead via Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad in the 37th minute, but Mohun Bagan midfielder Apuia scored a stunning goal on the stroke of half-time to equalize.
The second half did not witness any goals. There was no change in the scoreline at extra time, after which the penalty kicks decided the fate of the game, where Mohun Bagan won 5-4.
Mohun Bagan striker Jason Cummings had missed a penalty in regulation time, but the team held its cool despite East Bengal making a goalkeeper change for the shootout. This is Mohun Bagan’s first IFA Shield title since 2003, ending a 22-year wait.
