NorthEast United beat Sreenidi Deccan 3-0 to reach IFA Shield 2026 semi-finals

NorthEast United FC defeated Sreenidi Deccan FC 3-0 in the IFA Shield 2026 group stage on 26 September 2026, clinching a semi-final spot alongside Mohun Bagan. Sreenidi Deccan FC have been opted out of the tournament following two back-to-back defeats.

The Indian Football Association (IFA) moved kickoff times for remaining Shield matches from 15:00 IST to 14:30 IST because of bad weather in Kolkata and coastal areas, with the changed start time applying until the final. In Group A, all other teams have played one match while Sreenidi Deccan contested both of their scheduled fixtures and were eliminated.

Jithin MS broke the deadlock in the sixth minute after Asheer’s pinpoint long ball on the wing and a smooth through ball by Alaaeddine found the NorthEast forward, who slotted the opener. The substitute Danny Meitei then received a good ball in the D-box and converted with a well-placed shot to make it 2-0. Their Moroccan foreign striker Alaeddine Ajaraie completed the scoring in the 60th minute.

The result confirmed Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC as semi-finalists, while Antonio Rueda’s Sreenidi Deccan bowed out after failing to win their second consecutive game. The semi-finals are scheduled for 4th September, 2026.

Mohun Bagan will host the Highlanders at the Mohun Bagan Ground on 29th September, 2026 at 14:30 IST; the sides meet following the Durand Cup 2026, where the Mariners defeated Pedro Benali’s side. That final Group A fixture will determine final seeding ahead of the knockout stage.

In Group B, East Bengal FC beat Calcutta Customs FC 3-1, with Rohit Kumar starting the comeback with an equaliser and further goals from Rohit Danu and Akash Hemram sealing the win for Bino George’s side. With only the top two teams advancing to the knockouts, Calcutta Customs must beat ISL side Punjab FC to remain in contention.

Punjab FC will face Calcutta Customs FC on 27 September 2026 at 14:30 IST.