CALCUTTA, November 23: Mohun Bagan lifted the IFA Shield for the 18th time in the football tournament's 104-year-old history, defeating arch rivals East Bengal 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium here today. In fact, it was lucky last minute goal by Chima Okerie which helped Bagan lift the title. Both the teams were locked 1-1 at half-time.The winning strike, coming at a time when both the camps were preparing for extra-time, was a clear case of misunderstanding between East Bengal goalkeeper Arpan Dey and the Ghanian left back Suley Musa. Both went for a Soumitra Chakraborty cross and clashed in the air. In the process, none could clear the ball and as it tamely landed at Okerie's feet, the Nigerian tapped it in with a smile.
Referee K Shankar, meanwhile, did not hesitate to bring out the yellow card whenever necessary. He even booked Opoku for arguing with the linesman. The Okerie winner was against the run of play, fetching Bagan the IFA Shield title after eight years.
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