Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated arch-rivals East Bengal 1-0 in the IFA Shield final at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday, October 8, 2026, to claim a 22nd Shield crown.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant claimed their 22nd IFA Shield title on Thursday evening, overcoming fiercest rivals East Bengal FC 1-0 in a high-voltage Kolkata Derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium).

A clinical first-half strike from Bosnian midfielder Samir Zeljkovic proved to be the decisive blow in another fiercely contested chapter of Indian football’s oldest rivalry.  

Decisive Moment: Zeljkovic's Golden Touch  
Both sides entered the final matching each other tackle for tackle in a frenetic opening half. The breakthrough arrived right on the stroke of half-time:  

The Setup: Sahal Abdul Samad picked up possession in the attacking third and carved open the Red & Gold backline with a pinpoint, lofted delivery into the box.  

The Finish: Samir Zeljkovic showed supreme composure under pressure, cushioning the ball on his chest before slotting a low drive past an advancing Phurba Lachenpa.    

Red & Gold Push, Mariners Hold Firm
Trailing by a goal, East Bengal threw everything forward in the second half, hunting for an equalizer with wave after wave of attacks.  

Defensive Resilience: Mohun Bagan’s backline absorbed heavy pressure, closing down spaces and thwarting East Bengal's dangerous transitional play.  

Stoppage-Time Drama: With seven minutes of extra time signaled, East Bengal earned a free kick in a dangerous zone outside the penalty area.

Mohammed Rashid stepped up to take the strike, but his venomous drive was blocked point-blank by Zeljkovic, who put his body on the line to preserve the advantage.

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Historic Milestone
The full-time whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the green-and-maroon faithful in the stands.

With this victory, Mohun Bagan secured their record-extending 22nd IFA Shield crown, adding yet another landmark piece of silverware to their storied trophy cabinet and retaining ultimate derby bragging rights.