Mohun Bagan Super Giant stormed into the final of the 41st IFA Shield after a commanding 2-0 victory over United Sports Club at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday. Dimitrios Petratos and Jason Cummings were the stars of the evening, each playing a decisive role as the Mariners booked a much-anticipated final clash against arch-rival East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 18.
Despite missing several first-team regulars, including captain Subhasish Bose, Lalengmawia Ralte, and Liston Colaco — all away on national duty for India’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore — as well as the injured Manvir Singh, coach Jose Molina’s side delivered a composed and clinical performance. The game also allowed the Spaniard to test his squad’s depth, and his players responded in style.
Bagan took the lead just before half-time, with Petratos calmly steering Cummings’s low cross from the left into the net in the 45th minute. The goal rewarded the team’s persistent attacking play and gave them control heading into the break.
Early in the second half, Cummings turned scorer, doubling Bagan’s advantage. His volley was initially parried by United’s goalkeeper Subrata Santra, but the ball spun back over the line, sealing the Mariners’ place in the final.
United Sports Club fought hard to find a way back into the contest and nearly did so in the 66th minute. Forward Sreenath M controlled a lofted pass inside the box and unleashed a powerful volley, but Bagan’s custodian Syed Zahid Hussain Bukhari produced a brilliant save to preserve his clean sheet.
The victory means Mohun Bagan will now contest yet another historic Kolkata Derby final against East Bengal. The Mariners last lifted the IFA Shield 22 years ago, defeating East Bengal 5-4 on penalties, while their most recent final appearance in 2018 ended in a shootout defeat to the same opponent.
Bagan, a 20-time IFA Shield champion and the first Indian side to win the trophy in 1911, will be eager to end its long wait for another title. With East Bengal having already won both Kolkata derbies this season — in the Calcutta Football League and the Durand Cup — Saturday’s showdown offers Bagan the perfect chance to turn the tables and reclaim old glory.
