East Bengal mounted a comeback and beat NorthEast United 7-2 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan to enter the IFA Shield 2026 final on Monday.
Forward David Lalhlansanga starred with a hat-trick, while Rohit Kumar and Chris Ikonomidis were the other scorers for the host. Talisman Alaaeddine Ajaraie had put the Highlanders in front within the second minute before Antonio Lopez Habas’ men recovered from a goal down.
After more than 80 minutes, the Moroccan forward did bag a brace to uplift NEUFC spirits. But that joy too was shortlived after debutants Ake Loba from Ivory Coast and Lukasz Zwolinski found the target to put the contest beyond doubt.
The Red and Gold Brigade will face arch-rival Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the summit clash after the Mariners had pipped Punjab FC 4-3 on penalties in the other semifinal.
More to follow…
Published on Oct 05, 2026
