East Bengal FC Seal Final Berth with Commanding 2-0 Victory Over Namdhari FC

Image Credit: East Bengal FC(X)

East Bengal FC continued their dominant run in the IFA Shield with a convincing 2-0 victory over Namdhari FC in their final group stage match at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata on October 14, 2025. Goals from Mohammed Rashid and P.V. Vishnu sealed the win as the Red and Gold Brigade cruised into yet another final appearance in the historic tournament.​

Needing only a draw to qualify, East Bengal showed no signs of playing it safe under head coach Oscar Bruzon. The hosts began aggressively, pressing high and pushing forward from the start. Bipin Singh led the charge, making several dangerous runs into the attacking third and keeping the Namdhari defense under constant pressure.​

The breakthrough came in the 19' after a clearance from Namdhari's defense fell kindly for Mohammed Rashid. Without hesitation, the midfielder unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that flew past goalkeeper Niraj Kumar, sending the East Bengal supporters into raptures.​

The second goal arrived with style and precision in the second half, showcasing excellent coordination between Indian players. David Lalhlansanga held up play cleverly as Bipin Singh drew three defenders towards him, creating space on the right. David then slipped a perfectly timed pass to PV Vishnu in the 41', who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner to double East Bengal's lead.​

The victory maintained East Bengal's perfect record in this edition of the IFA Shield, with six different players finding the net and two back to back cleansheets, a testament to the team's balanced attack and formidable defence. The result secured the club's record 41st appearance in an IFA Shield final.