East Bengal win inaugural IFA Women’s Shield 2023

East Bengal claimed a convincing 5-0 win in the final.

East Bengal have been crowned as the champions of the first ever IFA Women's Shield, after an incredible tournament that saw the side have a perfect record throughout their four games in the competition. 

East Bengal began their IFA Women’s Shield 2023 campaign in some style, as they won their two group games against Nadia DSA and Chandney SC, with scores of 8-0 and 11-0. These incredible victories from their two group games, ensured a top position for East Bengal in their group. Following this, they triumphed over West Bengal Police in the semis. 

The final was played between East Bengal and Sreebhumi on Friday, the 2nd of June. The game began with East Bengal imposing their dominance on all fronts, as they scored twice within the starting few minutes of the game, courtesy of goals by Tulsi Hembram and Barnali Karar. Post this, Tulsi netted on three more occasions in the second half, to further extend her team’s lead, and seal the title for them.

East Bengal thus concluded their campaign without conceding a single goal, while netting 27. Also, the Red & Gold Brigade have added another piece of silverware to their collection, after having successfully won the Calcutta Women’s Football League (also known as the Kanyashree Cup) in January.

Addition to that, East Bengal became the first-ever team in Indian women's football to lift the state league and state cup in a single season.

Inaugural IFA Women’s Shield

The 2023 IFA Women’s Shield, was the inaugural season of the premier women's football cup competition organized by the Indian Football Association in West Bengal. A total of six teams participated in the competition, which was played between 25th May and 2nd June. 

The teams participating in the competition were East Bengal and other five Kanyashree Cup teams – Sreebhumi, Mohammedan Sporting, Chandney SC, WB Police and Nadia DSA. 

Tulsi Hemnram was adjudged the player of the tournament with 15 goals to her tally.