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East Bengal advances to IFA Shield 2025 Final:
In the final match of Group A in the IFA Shield 2025, East Bengal defeated Namdhari FC 2-0, securing their spot in the final. This match held significant importance for both teams, aiming to reach the final. Nevertheless, a draw would have sufficed for East Bengal to advance, as prior to this match, both teams were tied on points, but East Bengal held the advantage over Namdhari FC due to a superior goal difference.
The starting lineup for East Bengal against Namdhari FC included: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (Goalkeeper), Mohammad Rakip, Kevin Sibille, Lalchungnunga, and Jay Gupta (Defenders), Saúl Crespo and Mohammed Rashid (Defensive Midfielders), Bipin Singh, Miguel Figueira, and PV Vishnu (Attacking Midfielders), and David Lalhlansanga(Forward).
First-half highlights:
East Bengal launched a series of attacks right from the start of the first half. In the fourth minute, Mohammed Rashid’s attempt was thwarted by Namdhari FC’s goalkeeper, Niraj. By the sixth minute, Namdhari FC had an opportunity to score, but Guilherme Gomes’ feeble shot was comfortably saved by East Bengal’s goalkeeper, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
Following this, East Bengal, spearheaded by Bipin Singh and Miguel Figueira, intensified their offensive. They netted the first goal of the match in the 19th minute. After Miguel Figueira’s header struck the post, the Namdhari FC defense failed to clear the rebound, allowing the ball to fall to Mohammed Rashid. His shot from outside the box deflected off a Namdhari FC player and found its way into the net.
East Bengal maintained their aggressive approach, aiming to increase their goal tally after the initial score. Their second goal also arrived in the first half, specifically in the 41st minute. PV Vishnu received a pass from David Lalhlansanga, maneuvered to the right, and fired a shot at the near post that beat Niraj, the Namdhari FC goalkeeper, and entered the net.
Despite both teams having nearly equal ball possession in the first half, East Bengal was more frequently on the offensive. As the first half concluded, the score stood at East Bengal 2, Namdhari FC 0.
At the conclusion of the first half, East Bengal was quite confident about their chances of advancing to the final, as Namdhari FC needed a victory to qualify, yet they were trailing by two goals at that point. Consequently, Namdhari FC had to net at least three goals in the second half to maintain any hope of reaching the final.
Second-half highlights:
As the second half commenced, Namdhari FC attempted to mount an offensive. They earned a free-kick in the fifty-first minute, but Guilherme Gomes’ attempt was way off target. In the 56th minute, East Bengal’s PV Vishnu maneuvered inside the box and unleashed a right-footed shot that struck Namdhari FC player Kamalpreet and sailed over the crossbar.
Two minutes later, in the 58th minute, David Lalhlansanga entered Namdhari FC’s penalty area and went down, appealing for a penalty, but the referee showed no interest in the claim. In the 65th minute, East Bengal’s coach Óscar Bruzón opted for two substitutions, bringing on Hamid Ahadad and Jesin TK in place of Miguel Figueira and David Lalhlansanga, respectively.
Later, in the 82nd minute, the coach made three additional changes, introducing Sayan Banerjee, Edmund Lalrindika, and Jeakson Singh for PV Vishnu, Bipin Singh, and Saúl Crespo. East Bengal supporters were likely pleased to see young talents like Jesin and Sayan getting their opportunity in this match.
Since the middle of the second half, East Bengal focused on maintaining their lead by controlling possession of the ball. Namdhari FC had a chance to level the score in the 87th minute, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made a remarkable save to deny the attacking player from Namdhari FC. Overall, East Bengal enjoyed greater ball possession during the second half, and while they created several opportunities, they were unable to add to their goal tally. As the match drew to a close, Namdhari FC generated a few chances but failed to breach the East Bengal defense.
Ultimately, East Bengal, demonstrating their prowess, triumphed over Namdhari FC with a score of 2-0, securing their place in the IFA Shield final. East Bengal emerged as the group champion, amassing 6 points from 2 matches in Group A. Namdhari FC finished second in the group, earning 3 points from 2 matches. Meanwhile, Sreenidi Deccan ended up at the bottom of the group, having no points from 2 matches.
Derby in the final!:
On October 15, Mohun Bagan and United SC will compete in the final match of Group B. Should Mohun Bagan achieve a draw in this match, they will advance to the final, while United SC must secure a victory to qualify. Therefore, if all goes as expected, the anticipated derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will take place in the IFA Shield final on October 18, 2025. East Bengal holds the record as the most successful team in the IFA Shield, having claimed the title thirty-nine times, while Mohun Bagan has won it twenty times. With East Bengal already in the final, Mohun Bagan will likely join them. We will have to wait until October 18th to determine whether East Bengal will clinch the IFA Shield for the thirtieth time or if Mohun Bagan will secure their twenty-first title.
I have uploaded a video on YouTube in Bengali related to the topic discussed in this blog, and you can find the link to that video here: