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Punjab FC reveal squad for Kalinga Super Cup ahead of Odisha FC clash

IANS April 20, 2025 147 views

Punjab FC has unveiled their squad for the Kalinga Super Cup, targeting a strong performance against Odisha FC. Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis believes the team's season-long chemistry will be crucial in the knockout tournament. The squad features a blend of experienced players and young talents who performed in the recent Indian Super League season. With a favorable head-to-head record and strategic preparation, Punjab FC is ready to compete for a potential AFC Champions League qualification spot.

"We have named a squad who have been together for the whole season" - Panagiotis Dilmperis, Punjab FC Head Coach"
Mohali, April 20: Punjab FC have announced squad for the Kalinga Super Cup ahead of their Round of 16 match against Odisha FC, which will be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

Key Points

1

Punjab FC aim to leverage ISL experience in Super Cup

2

Team has strong head-to-head record against Odisha FC

3

Knockout format increases match intensity

Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has named the squad comprising the players who were part of the Indian Super League (ISL) season where the team finished 10th. He hopes that the mix of experience and youth will take the team ahead in the competition.

Speaking on the announcement, Dilmperis said, "We have named a squad who have been together for the whole season. The team performed well in the ISL season even though we could not achieve our target of reaching the playoffs. We will take one game at a time in the competition and hope that we can go far in the competition. We have been training well and we are ready to perform."

Punjab have a better head-to-head record against Odisha FC this season, winning one and drawing the other. In the first meeting, they edged past Odisha 2-1 with the help of goals from Nihal Sudeesh and Leon Augustine while in the reverse fixture the game ended 1-1, with Petros Giakoumakis scoring the goal.

The fifth edition of the Kalinga Super Cup kicks off on Sunday with Kerala Blasters FC taking on East Bengal FC. The winners of the tournament will qualify for the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round.

East Bengal FC are the defending champions, having beaten Odisha FC in the 2024 final in Bhubaneswar. Odisha FC (2023), FC Goa (2019) and Bengaluru FC (2018) have been the past champions of the Super Cup.

Unlike the last two years, where the tournament witnessed a group stage followed by semifinals, this season will purely be in a knockout format like 2018 and 2019, meaning every game is 'do or die'.

The round of 16 will be played on April 20, 21, 23 and 24, the quarter-finals on April 26 and 27, the semi-finals on April 30, and the final on May 3.

Punjab FC squad:

Goalkeepers: Ravi Kumar, Muheet Shabir, Ayush Deshwal.

Defenders: Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Melroy Assisi, Likmabam Rakesh Meitei, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Ivan Novoselec , Pramveer Singh, Nongmeikapam Suresh Meitei.

Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky John Shabong, Vinit Rai, Manglenthang Kipgen, Ashis Pradhan, Filip Mrzljak, Laishram Rishikanta Meitei.

Forwards: Asmir Suljic, Petros Giakoumakis, Ezequiel Vidal, Mohammed Suhail F., Ninthoinganba Meetei, Nihal Sudeesh, Luka Majcen, Vishal Yadav, Leon Augustine.

Reserves: Omang Dudum, Manav Singh, Singamayum Shami, Nitesh Darjee.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Exciting to see Punjab FC sticking with their core squad! The chemistry from ISL should help in this knockout format. Hope Petros can continue his scoring form 🔥
P
Priya M.
Knockout format makes every match so intense! Punjab has a decent chance against Odisha given their H2H record this season. Fingers crossed 🤞
A
Amit S.
Not sure about keeping the same squad that finished 10th in ISL. Maybe should've given some youngsters more opportunities in this tournament? Respectfully disagree with the coach's approach.
S
Simran J.
Leon Augustine was brilliant in the first match against Odisha! Hope he gets more playing time this tournament. The squad looks balanced with good Indian talent 🇮🇳
V
Vikram P.
AFC Champions League spot up for grabs makes this tournament so much more important! Punjab FC might surprise everyone if they click at the right moment. #Underdogs
N
Neha R.
Love seeing all the Manipuri players in the squad! Representation matters so much for football development in India. Wishing them all the best 💛

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Tags:
Punjab FC Kalinga Super Cup Panagiotis Dilmperis Indian Football Odisha FC ISL
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