Sk Jamal oust Mohun Bagan from IFA Shield

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club dashed Mohun Bagan's hope for an elusive trophy as the Bangladeshi outfit ousted local favourites from the meet with a 1-0 win to set up a semifinal clash against East Bengal in the 118th IFA Shield on Saturday. Former Boca Juniors forward Sony Norde converted a free-kick in the 23rd minute to dent Mohun Bagan's hopes even as they struggled to convert their chances up front without Odafa Okolie. With two wins, Bangladesh's Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi club who defeated United Sikkim in the previous outing finished second with six points behind group toppers Mohammedan Sporting (7). As per revised schedule, the back-to-back semis will be held on Tuesday, the third place play-off on Wednesday before the summit clash on Saturday. In absence of injured Odafa, Mohun Bagan struggled for possession while Sheikh Jamal dished out a spirited display with the Haitian striker leading the charge. Kolkata outfit Bagan needed a draw to advance into the semis but CS Sabeeth was not fed with balls in the attacking third. Norde’s curling free-kick kissed the far post before finding the back of the net as Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul was clueless. The IFA Shield is an annual football competition organised by Indian Football Association. It is the 4th oldest club cup competition in the world (Started in 1893) after the English and Scottish FA cups and the Durand Cup. The first Indian club to win this prestigious tournament was Mohun Bagan Athletic Club in 1911 when they beat East Yorkshire Regiment of England 2–1, according to Times of India.