Defending champions Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) will look to retain the IFA Shield when they face Sreenidi Deccan FC in the final at the East Bengal ground on Wednesday.

Less than six months after being launched, the Visakhapatnam outfit, who will also make their maiden I-League appearance this season, are in the middle of a fairy-tale campaign, making it to the final of the second-oldest football meet of the country on debut.

Sreenidi have displayed finesse and have also executed their plans meticulously so far, but it is their resolute defence which has stood out, conceding just two goals from five matches.

Sreenidi coach Fernando Santiago Varela said: “We have played good football in all of our games. But RKFC would be a tough challenge. We will try to do our job.”

Varela’s RKFC counterpart, David Robertson, is upbeat. “We have played three I-League teams so far. It gives a lot of confidence to be in the final of a tournament ahead of the I-League,” RKFC coach David Robertson said.

“We enjoyed our last season and have managed to make the final this time too. We will play with the same intensity.”

Kick-off: 1.30pm