Mohun Bagan vs Sreenidi Deccan Preview - Team news, lineups | IFA Shield 2026
IFA Shield 2026 begins on 23rd September.
The stage is set for the 126th edition of the IFA Shield, as the defending champions are all ready to host IFL side Sreenidi Deccan FC. After a memorable and emotional return in 2025, Mohun Bagan bagged their 23rd title after beating arch-rivals East Bengal FC in a dramatic penalty shootout relying on the saves of Indian custodian Vishal Kaith.
IFA Shield is one of the most reputed and oldest club football competitions in India. The tournament not only connects football with fans but also has a rich history in Indiaâs independence through football, as the Mariners were the first Indian club to win the British dominated tournament in 1911.
Mohun Bagan are set to lock horns against the Indian Football League (IFL) side Sreenidi Deccan FC in the opening game for the IFA Shield 2026 on 23rd September, 2026, hosted at the Mohun Bagan Ground at 3:00 PM. Considering the match will be played at the home of the Green & Maroon Brigade, the venue acts as a small morale boost to Panagiotisâ side.
Both sides will look to start the tournament with a victory in their first game. Mohun Bagan & Sreenidi Deccan are drawn into Group A alongside Northeastern side, NorthEast United FC.
The Stakes
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Mohun Bagan SG
The defending champions of the IFA Shield currently carry a lot of momentum with themselves. During the pre-season, the Mariners very recently won the Calcutta Football League. Mohun Bagan played against Mohammedan SC in their final matchday clash and registered a nail-biting win over the Black Panthers.
Against the IFL side, the Red & Maroon brigade would want to get their basics right and try their best not to show around. The team has a high chance of victory with a well-tested side banking on players like Sahal Abdul Samad, Alberto and Manvir Singh, who have been able to deliver in both the Durand Cup and in the CFL.
Maintaining a good defensive shape will be key against Sreenidi, the Mariners would prefer to get a victory by a huge margin to secure all the points in this game because the next game against NorthEast United FC may prove to be their hardest test.
Sreenidi Deccan FC
In the 2025-26 season of the Indian Football League (IFL), the southern side finished fourth in the first stage, with a total of 15 point. In the second stage, the team ended with 28 points under their belt, which was good enough for 3rd, behind the IFL champions Diamond Harbour FC and runners-up Shillong Lajong FC.
But with new hope in their eyes, Sreenidi Deccan FC have made some good recruitments from multiple ISL clubs, adding several veterans such as Pritam Kotal and Pronay Halder. Adding veterans is not the only change the team made as they have signed players like Jerry Mawihmingthanga from East Bengal FC.
It will always be a tough game against Mohun Bagan in an away clash at the Mohun Bagan Ground. The Deccan Warriors will look to play their best brand of football and with some experienced players and a balanced frontline, will aim to score as early as possible to gain momentum.
Team News
Mohun Bagan will be sweating on the fitness of Dejan Drazic, who missed the teamâs previous clash.
Both sides will have most of their players who will be set to field for the opening game.
Head-to-Head
Matches Played â 1
Mohun Bagan wins â 1
Sreenidi Deccan FC wins â 0
Draws â 0
Predicted Lineups
Sreenidi Deccan FC (4-4-2):
Kamaljit Singh (GK), Pritam Kotal, Hadi Idrissou, Gurmukh Singh, Abhash Thapa, Pronay Halder, Pape Gassama, Adriano Castanheira, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, David CastaÃąeda, Fabrice Kah
Mohun Bagan SG (4-3-3):
Vishal Kaith (GK), Raj Basfore, Rahul Bheke, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Deepak Tangri, Samir Zeljkovic, Miguel Figueira, Kiyan Nassiri, Liston Colaco, Lee Erwin.
Players to Watchout
Lee Erwin (Mohun Bagan)
A new face in the team for Mohun Baganâs current squad, who may potentially play in the IFA Shield 2026, could be the standout player in their opening game against Sreenidi Deccan FC.
Lee Erwin, who has just joined the Mariners camp, can prove his worth to the club as the IFA Shield is a good stage to test Erwin out. The Scottish forward has had a pretty eventful career so far, he has collected a lot of experience playing for notable clubs like Leeds United, and St. Mirren during the course of his career.
Erwin needs to maintain his positive vibe on the opposition half, being smart with his pressing, link-up play and movement to be unpredictable in the danger zones.
Pritam Kotal (Sreenidi Deccan)
Pritam Kotal was once a hero of Mohun Bagan. He could be a key player for his new team Sreenidi Deccan FC, when he faces his former side in the IFA Shield 2026 opener, playing at the Mohun Bagan Ground on 23rd September 2026.
To be effective against the Mariners, he must leverage his experience and deep tactical discipline to handle their high-intensity attacking threats.
Broadcast details
Mohun Bagan are set to lock horns against the Indian Football League (IFL) side Sreenidi Deccan FC in the IFA Shield 2026 opening game on 23rd September 2026 from 3:00 PM IST at the Mohun Bagan Ground.
The match between Mohun Bagan & Sreenidi Deccan in The IFA Shield 2026, will be broadcasted live on the FanCode app and website.
The rest of the IFA Shield 2026 matches will also be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
When will Mohun Bagan SG face Sreenidi Deccan FC in the IFA Shield 2026?
Mohun Bagan SG will face Sreenidi Deccan FC on 23 September 2026 in their opening game of the IFA Shield 2026.
Where can fans watch Mohun Bagan vs Sreenidi Deccan live?
The IFA Shield 2026 matches, including Mohun Bagan vs Sreenidi Deccan, will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.