An I/O port connector having an EMI shield comprising a dielectric housing defining a receiving chamber with a front entrance and a rear opening. The housing defines a plurality of slits forming a plurality of flexible flaps therebetween, and further includes a bridge portion having a pair of supporting posts. The bridge portion defines a plurality of terminal receiving passages therein for receiving a corresponding number of terminals. A cantilever tongue extends from the bridge portion toward the front entrance and forms a terminal seat at a free end thereof. The EMI shield includes a first portion received within the chamber of the housing from the front entrance, a front entrance and a rear opening. The first portion is provided with at least a retaining strip for releasably retaining a mating connector, engaging tab and an aperture adjacent to the rear opening. A second portion is received within the chamber of the housing from the rear opening and includes vertically extending flaps forming projections thereon for releasably interlocking with the aperture of the engaging tab.