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East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are two names that are more than enough to represent Indian football in the international arena. You cannot talk about Indian football without mentioning the two biggest clubs in India known for their rich history, huge fan base, and, of course, for the bitter rivalry between them. Both the clubs have won numerous trophies and will win many more in the future. But as the 117th IFA Shield is going to kick-off in a couple of days, both these giants should approach in the competition in a different way.
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The IFA Shield is the 4th oldest club competition in world football after the English and Scottish FA cup and Durand Cup, and is one of the most prestigious football tournament in India, because this competition is related to India’s freedom struggle. Mohun Bagan was the club which won this title for the first time in 1911 when they beat East Yorkshire Regiment by 2-1. East Bengal won the competition for the first time in the year 1943. Since the early days of this tournament, these two teams have shared the title 44 times – the Red & Gold Brigade have won 24 it times and the Mariners won it 20 times. After seeing this stat, one cannot neglect the dominance of Bengal football in this competition. This year, the IFA Shield is going to start from March 4. The ongoing I-league season has been quite contrasting for East Bengal and Mohun Bagan and they have to think about their priorities before they start their IFA Shield campaign.
The defending IFA Shield champions, East Bengal, have had a great I-league season so far and currently are at the top the league table. They have a glorious chance to win the revamped league for the first time. Also, they are going to take part in the AFC Cup. The 8-time Federation Cup winners and 16-time Durand Cup champions have won almost all competitions which they have participated in except the I-League and AFC Cup. It’ll not be a difficult job for them to clinch this season’s I-league title, though they will have to rely on Churchill Brothers to some extent. But this is a golden opportunity for the East Bengal players to keep focusing on the I-League and AFC Cup rather than the IFA Shield and to add the I-League title and, if possible, the AFC Cup to their trophy cabinet.
On the other hand, it’s a different scenario for Mohun Bagan. It can be simply said that this is not their season. After building a big budget team, the fans were quite sure that their soldiers will do something to bring back the lost smile on their faces. But that did not happen. Despite bringing back smiles, the century old Mohun Bagan club faced a ban, which was a slap in the face for the National Club of India. Though they have saved themselves from the ban, they now have to fight to save themselves from relegation. Now they have to rely on two competitions – Calcutta Football League and IFA Shield – which are still in their grasp and if they can play up to their mark, they can win it.
So the circumstances are very contrasting for both teams. Now it’s all upon the players, coach and the team management to set up their desired goals and fight to achieve them.
