Mohun Bagan and East Bengal face off in the IFA Shield final at Salt Lake Stadium. East Bengal eyes a 30th title after a big semifinal win. Mohun Bagan wants revenge for their Durand Cup loss. Coach Antonio Lopez Habas said, "I want the job done in 90 minutes."
East Bengal enter the final riding high on confidence after a ruthless 7-2 demolition of NorthEast United in the semifinal, with David Lalhlansanga leading the charge with a hat-trick. Antonio Lopez Habas' men have already tasted derby glory this season, having thrashed Mohun Bagan 4-1 in the Durand Cup final in August, and they now stand on the cusp of a record 30th IFA Shield title. However, Habas faces a selection headache with several national team players returning just days before the final, and the coach has made it clear he wants the job done in 90 minutes rather than risking a shootout.
For Mohun Bagan, the motivation is twofold: revenge for the Durand Cup humiliation and the chance to defend the Shield they won against the same opponent last year. Panagiotis Dilmperis' side reached the final the hard way, edging Punjab FC on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes, with goalkeeper Vishal Kaith emerging as the hero. The Mariners have injury concerns, with Jamie Maclaren's hamstring issue likely to hand Lee Erwin a start, while defender Asish Rai is also doubtful. A win would deliver a 22nd Shield crown and restore bragging rights after their recent Calcutta Football League triumph.