New Delhi, October 13: Punjab FC will begin their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign under new head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis when they take on Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 14. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM.
The Shers will be eager to build on their sixth-place finish last season and make a strong start under the Greek tactician. Punjab FC head into the opener with confidence after reaching the semifinals of their pre-season competition, where they defeated East Bengal FC in the group stage before losing to eventual champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties.
Punjab FC also holds a psychological advantage over Odisha FC, having remained unbeaten in their last three encounters. Their recent results include a thrilling 3-2 ISL victory at the Kalinga Stadium last season and a commanding 3-0 win in the AIFF Super Cup group stage.
Dermitzakis expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations and ambitions for the season. “We prepared ourselves very well during the long pre-season we had. We managed to add players in positions where we felt we needed reinforcements, and the games we played in the IFA Shield gave us the chance to face big and strong clubs,” he said.
“Our target is clear. Since we have created a very capable squad, we will try to win every game. I believe our team can compete for the title,” he added.
Punjab FC have announced a 27-member squad featuring 10 academy graduates, five new foreign signings and several players retained from last season. Raphaël Messi Bouli, Alfred Planas Moya and Diego Raposo will spearhead the attack, while Mickaël Malsa is expected to strengthen the midfield and Patrick Bahanack the defence. Indian internationals Nikhil Prabhu, Bijoy Varghese, Ricky Shabong and Muhammad Uvais will form part of the domestic core.
The coach wants his side to adopt an attractive, possession-based style while remaining tactically flexible. Defender Khaiminthang Lhungdim echoed that confidence, saying the squad was ready to follow the coach’s plans.
Odisha FC, who finished 11th last season, will look to begin afresh after significant squad changes. New arrivals, including Stephen Eze, Giorgi Aburjania, Mahmoud Eid and Everton, add experience, while Ritwik Das, Nandhakumar Sekar and Imran Khan strengthen the Indian contingent.
With both teams seeking an early statement, Punjab FC will aim to turn their pre-season promise into three points in their season opener.