Punjab FC face Odisha FC in ISL opener under Greek coach

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Pavlos Dermitzakis eyes winning start on October 14 after Punjab FC’s sixth-place finish last season

Chandigarh: Punjab FC will begin their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign against Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday, i.e. October 14, with new head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis, originally from Greece, aiming to guide the team to a winning start. The match will kick off at 7.30 pm.

Punjab FC finished sixth in the previous league campaign and enters the new season after reaching the semifinals of the IFA Shield. They defeated East Bengal FC in the group stage before losing to eventual champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties in the last four.

The Shers are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Odisha FC, including a 3-2 ISL victory and a 3-0 win in the AIFF Super Cup group stage, both at the Kalinga Stadium.

“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,” Dermitzakis said ahead of his ISL managerial debut.

“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 and five new foreign signings. Raphaël Messi Bouli, Alfred Planas Moya and Diego Raposo will lead the attack, while Mickaël Malsa strengthens the midfield and Patrick Bahanack the defence.

Defender Khaimingthang Lhungdim said the squad was prepared for the campaign. “Everyone is ready to fight, and everyone is hungry to play this season again. There is a specific tactic and plan that we have from the coach. We keep following his plan, and it is working well,” he added.

Odisha FC finished 11th last season and have revamped their squad, adding foreign players Stephen Eze, Giorji Aburjania, Mahmoud Eid and Everton, along with Indian players Ritwik Das, Nandhakumar Sekar and Imran Khan.

Punjab FC will look to carry their pre-season form into the league opener, while Odisha FC will seek a fresh start under their revamped line-up.