Mohun Bagan begin IFA Shield defense against Sreenidi Deccan
Defending champions Mohun Bagan SG host IFL side Sreenidi Deccan FC in the IFA Shield 2026 opener on September 23.
Mohun Bagan SG will begin their IFA Shield title defense against Sreenidi Deccan FC on September 23, 2026. The match kicks off at 3:00 PM IST at the Mohun Bagan Ground, according to a preview by Khel Now.
The 126th edition of the historic tournament starts with this Group A clash. Both teams are joined in the group by NorthEast United FC. Mohun Bagan are the reigning champions, having won their 23rd title in 2025 by defeating rivals East Bengal in a penalty shootout.
The Stakes for the Mariners
The defending champions enter the match with momentum from a recent Calcutta Football League victory. The Mariners' squad is well-tested, relying on key players like Sahal Abdul Samad, Alberto Rodriguez, and Manvir Singh.
Maintaining a strong defensive shape will be key against Sreenidi. A large victory margin would help secure points ahead of what may be a tougher test against NorthEast United.
Sreenidi Deccan's New Look
Sreenidi Deccan FC finished the 2025-26 IFL season with 28 points in the second stage, placing third. The club has reinforced its squad with several veteran signings from Indian Super League clubs.
New recruits include defender Pritam Kotal and midfielder Pronay Halder. The team has also added winger Jerry Mawihmingthanga from East Bengal FC. Facing Mohun Bagan away is a tough challenge, but Sreenidi will aim to score early with their balanced frontline.
Team News and Head-to-Head
Mohun Bagan may be without forward Dejan Drazic, who missed the team's previous match. Both sides are otherwise expected to have most players available for the opener.
The two clubs have met only once before, with Mohun Bagan winning that encounter.
| Statistic | Mohun Bagan SG | Sreenidi Deccan FC |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 1 | 1 |
| Wins | 1 | 0 |
| Draws | 0 | 0 |
Predicted Lineups and Key Players
The source provided predicted starting elevens for the match.
Sreenidi Deccan FC (4-4-2): Kamaljit Singh (GK), Pritam Kotal, Hadi Idrissou, Gurmukh Singh, Abhash Thapa, Pronay Halder, Pape Gassama, Adriano Castanheira, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, David Castañeda, Fabrice Kah.
Mohun Bagan SG (4-3-3): Vishal Kaith (GK), Raj Basfore, Rahul Bheke, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Deepak Tangri, Samir Zeljkovic, Miguel Figueira, Kiyan Nassiri, Liston Colaco, Lee Erwin.
New Mohun Bagan signing Lee Erwin is highlighted as a player to watch. The Scottish forward brings experience from clubs like Leeds United. For Sreenidi, all eyes will be on former Mohun Bagan hero Pritam Kotal, who must use his tactical discipline to handle his old team's attack.
The match will be broadcast live on the FanCode app and website.
