[2] In Group 'A', East Bengal will with Shillong Lajong FC and Bhowanipur SC :: In Gr.
"B" Brazilian side Botafogo with Chirag United Kerala and Southern Samity :: In Gr.
Pune FC were held by minnows Pailan Arrows, while Southern Samity stunned I-League side United Kerala.
[3] East Bengal pip Bhawanipore FC 2–1 in the 116th IFA Shield opener at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
East Bengal won the trophy by pipping Prayag united by 4-2 via a tie-breaker.