East Bengal FC began their IFA Shield 2026 Group A campaign with a 3-1 victory over Calcutta Customs Club at the East Bengal Ground on Thursday.
Calcutta Customs made a bright start and took the lead in the 12’ through Riki Gharami, putting East Bengal under early pressure. However, the Young Red & Gold Brigade responded strongly and equalized in the 29’, with Rohit Kumar finding the back of the net to make it 1-1.
East Bengal continued to press for the lead after the restart and were rewarded in the 52’ when Rohit Danu scored to put the home side ahead for the first time in the match.
The Red & Gold Brigade maintained control as the game progressed and eventually sealed the victory in the 85’. Mohammad Bilal added East Bengal’s third goal to complete a 3-1 comeback win.
The victory gives East Bengal an encouraging start to their IFA Shield 2026 Group A campaign.
East Bengal FC will next face Punjab FC on 30 September at the East Bengal Ground.
East Bengal FC Starting XI:
Gourab Shaw, Bikram Pradhan, Monotosh Chakladar, Narender Gahlot, Boris Singh, Rohit Kumar, Souvik Chakrabarti, Rohit Danu, Bijay Murmu, Akash Hembram, Jesin TK
Calcutta Customs Club Starting XI:
Debjit Ghoshal, Zacharie Mbenda, Rahul Soren, Rajibul Halder, Monoranjan Singh, Riki Gharami, Prasenjit Ghosh, Rajer Rao, Sudip Hansda, Aristide Tchuitchou, Marshal Kisku
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal Media
