Prayag United rode on Ranty Martins's second-half strike to beat defending champions East Bengal and end their 14-match unbeaten run in the final of the IFA Shield in Kolkata [ Images ] on Wednesday.
The purple brigade also avenged last year's defeat in the Shield final, as Man of the Match Martins's 80th minute goal denied overwhelming favourites East Bengal a record 25th title.
In a repeat of last year's final, which East Bengal won 4-2 on penalties, the giants looked like a shadow of their former selves, missing several opportunities while Chidi's injury proved to be a big blow.
This was United’s second big win after their 2010 Durand Cup triumph.
In pursuit of a record 25th title, East Bengal were tentative to start with as they played a watchful game in the first 45 minutes.
Without ace forward Edeh Chidi who was benched because of a hamstring pull, East Bengal clearly struggled.
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