Kolkata Maidan is ready for another footballing spectacle as Mohun Bagan march on towards Title Defense!
And what a fixture this promises to be — a rematch of the 2026 Durand Cup semi-final! With their places in the semi-finals already secured, the fight is for the top spot in the group!
After a thumping 6-0 victory against Sreenidi Deccan, the real test lies against NEUFC. In the absence of 6 of our first team players due to National Team Call-up, this also serves as a great opportunity for our remaining players to get crucial gametime for team synergy.
As seen in the previous game, our new signings Lee, Dejan and hattrick hero Chhangte were all exceptional. Miguel also contributed greatly with 2 assists. The fitness of the team also looked better and the players looked sharp as compared to our Durand campaign.
NEUFC on the other hand, also played aggressively in their comfortable 3-0 victory against SDFC and would be hungry for revenge for the Durand semi-final and settle the scores.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
Mohun Bagan (3-5-2): Vishal(GK) ; Alberto, Bheke, Subhasish(C), Liston ; Abhishek, Samir, Miguel ; Chhangte, Lee, Drazic.Coach : Panagiotis Dilmperis.
NorthEast United FC (4-2-4): Gurmeet (GK) ; Nikhil, Asheer, Eneko, Redeem (C) ; Mayakkannan, Nikola ; Rabeeh, Jithin, Ajaraie, Ethyan.
Coach : Juan Pedro Ben Ali.
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
Bagan would likely stick with the same three-at-the-back formation from their previous game. Subhasish has been struggling as a wing back but is solid at the centre in the current setup. The new formation also reduces the workrate on veteran players like Rahul and Alberto while still providing great defensive solidity at the centre while Liston and Chhangte roam the flanks as wing backs, aiding in the attack as well as helping in the defence.Playing in Sacchi's system, the striker needs to be agile, press deep and hold the ball in the attacking third while the team shifts from defense to offense. Using the wing backs, the team must absorb the numerical superiority on the sidelines and wingward switches. The mid needs to be compact with swift pressing runs without breaking formation.
Miguel and Drazic would be the creative brains and try to find Lee who needs to be alert and as clinical as he was in the last game.
NEUFC on the other hand, would heavily rely on their starman Ajaraie for the lion's share of their attacks. Their wingbacks, Redeem or Mark and Abdul Rabeeh have the responsibility of penetrating the Diamond Formation with extra CDM that Panos is deploying with just a single striker up front.
🟢⚔ 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘 ⚔🔴
— MBFT (@MBFT89) September 29, 2026
🎯 IFA Shield 2026
📣 Mohun Bagan SG vs NorthEast Utd FC
⏰ 29th September’26; 14:30 IST
🏟 Mohun Bagan Ground
📡 Fancode App & Website
{ Joy Mohun Bagan, MBFT } pic.twitter.com/uqf0mlPfgF
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Lallianzuala Chhangte : Hattrick hero in his first senior start for the Mariners,this 29 year old legendary speedster has been one of India's finest for the past 6-7 year. Known as the Flash,this rapid Mizo winger is a joy to watch!Lee Erwin : A natural goal poacher, the tall 6'2 Scotsman is just the kind of striker the defending champions were looking for. Having played in top leagues around the world and scoring a wonderful header on his Bagan debut, he will be instrumental in our title defence.
Dejan Drazic: The sensational Serb growing to be the heartbeat of Mohun Bagan’s creative play. After completing a legendary chapter in Goa, Drazic has arrived in Maroon-and-Green in style. His performances have already made one thing clear — he’s hungry for more, and just the beginning!
Alaaeddine Ajaraie : Already a legend in the NorthEast, the Moroccan Maestro is back with the Highlanders this season. Pivotal in lifting their Durand Cup consecutive titles, the record holder for the most goals scored in a single ISL season would be eager to continue his exploits.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH THE MATCH
📅 September 29, 2026 (Tuesday), 2:30 PM🏟️ Mohun Bagan AC Ground, Kolkata
🏆 IFA Shield Group Stage
📡 Fancode App and Website
🎯 LIVE MATCH UPDATE ON MBFT.IN
🎟️ Buy Tickets from Mohun Bagan Ground Counter
