East Bengal FC 7–2 NorthEast United FC
5 October 2026 | Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
East Bengal FC produced a sensational comeback and stormed into the IFA Shield 2026 Final, defeating NorthEast United FC 7–2 in a spectacular semi-final at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday.
What began as a nightmare start for the Red-and-Gold brigade quickly transformed into an extraordinary attacking display. NorthEast United took an early lead, but East Bengal responded with seven goals to completely turn the match around and book their place in the final.
NorthEast United stunned East Bengal by taking the lead as early as the 2nd minute.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie made the most of the opportunity to put NorthEast United 1–0 ahead, giving East Bengal an early setback.
But the Red-and-Gold response was immediate.
East Bengal restored parity in the 11th minute through David Lalhlansanga, who found the back of the net to make it 1–1.
The equaliser changed the momentum of the contest, with East Bengal beginning to dominate proceedings and put increasing pressure on the NorthEast United defence.
The comeback continued in the 23rd minute, when Rohit Kumar scored to put East Bengal ahead for the first time.
The Red-and-Gold side were now firmly in control.
East Bengal extended their advantage in the 43rd minute, with James Ikonomou adding another goal to make it 3–1.
The first half ended with East Bengal in a commanding position after overturning the early deficit.
The second half proved even more devastating.
Just one minute after the restart, David Lalhlansanga struck again in the 46th minute, doubling his personal tally and putting East Bengal 4–1 ahead.
Ten minutes later, Lalhlansanga completed a memorable hat-trick.
His goal in the 56th minute made it 5–1, as East Bengal’s attacking momentum completely overwhelmed NorthEast United.
NorthEast United refused to give up.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored his second goal of the match in the 83rd minute, reducing the deficit to 5–2 and briefly giving his side renewed hope.
But East Bengal immediately restored their dominance.
Ake Arnaud Loba added East Bengal’s sixth goal in the 85th minute, making it 6–2.
The final blow came deep into stoppage time.
Lukasz Zwolinski found the net in the 90+1st minute to complete a remarkable 7–2 victory for East Bengal.
The final whistle confirmed one of the most emphatic victories of East Bengal’s IFA Shield campaign.
East Bengal’s extraordinary comeback saw them overturn an early 0–1 deficit into a commanding 7–2 semi-final victory.
Semi-Final: East Bengal FC 7–2 NorthEast United FC
Venue: Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
Date: 5 October 2026
Result: East Bengal FC advance to the IFA Shield Final
David Lalhlansanga’s hat-trick, combined with goals from Rohit Kumar, James Ikonomou, Ake Arnaud Loba and Lukasz Zwolinski, powered East Bengal to a remarkable comeback victory.
The Red-and-Gold brigade now turn their attention to the IFA Shield 2026 Final, where they will face arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in another historic Kolkata football showdown.
One comeback. Seven goals. One final.
East Bengal are through. 🔴🟡
