East Bengal showed a lot of character in tough conditions and bounced back from a goal down to pip arch-rivals Mohun Bagan on penalties and annexe the U-19 IFA Shield in Barasat on Thursday.
Sourav Das put Mohun Bagan ahead in the 47th minute while Dip Saha levelled scores six minutes from time. The stalemate prevailed into extra time before East Bengal sealed the issue 4-2 in the penalty shootout to clinch their 29th Shield.
It was an unusual weather with scorching heat and the 2.30pm kick-off at the Barasat artificial turf added to the misery, and the referee had to give four drinks breaks during the regulation time.
