IFA Shield: Churchill Bros, Mohun Bagan win; now in final

The semifinals of the 115th IFA Shield were played yesterday at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata with Churchill Brother SC taking on Shillong Lajong FC; while Mohun Bagan AC took on local rivals Southern Samity. Churchill Brothers beat the Northeastern side, while Mohun Bagan on the centenary of their first IFA Shield triumph have also made it to the final, which also happens to be a rematch of last years finale which the Goans had won 2-0. The final will be played on March 31.

1st SemifinalChurchill Brothers SC 2-0 (1-0) Shillong Lajong FC – Goals: 1-0,2-0 Israil Gurung (9′,90+’).Young Israil Gurung was the hero for Churchill Brothers SC as the former Sesa Football Academy player scored both the goals for his side in their 2-0 win against Shillong Lajong FC. The Goans where the better of the two sides on display with Israil Gurung giving them an early 9th minute lead and he ensured the win with his teams second in injury time.

2nd SemifinalMohun Bagan AC 2-1 (1-1) Southern Samity – Goals: 0-1 Edmilson Marques Pardal (8′), 1-1 Chidi Edeh (43′), 2-1 Ashim Biswas (80′).Mohun Bagan AC overcame a fighting Southern Samity 2-1 to make it to the finals of the 115th IFA Shield. But early on Brazilian Edmilson gave newcomers Southern Samity a shock eighth minute lead still Mohun Bagan found the equaliser before the break through a Chidi Edeh header. The green-and-maroon kept up the pressure on Southern Samity and their goalkeeper Amit Singha Roy fumbled in the 80th minute allowing Ashim Biswas to slot home.