Mohali, Oct 27 (UNI) :Punjab FC have announced their 26-member squad for the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26, ahead of their opening Group C encounter against Gokulam Kerala FC. The match will take place on October 27 at the GMC Bambolim Athletic Stadium in Goa, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 pm.
Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has assembled a well-balanced squad combining experience, youthful energy, and new signings, as the Shers aim to make a strong start to their Super Cup campaign. The team features several players from the Durand Cup 2025 squad, along with five fresh additions to bolster key areas of the pitch.
Among the new signings are foreign recruits Samir Zeljković, Daniel Ramírez Fernández, and Pablo Renan dos Santos, alongside Indian additions Arshdeep Singh and Bikash Singh Sagolsem. Together, they bring depth, creativity, and defensive stability as Punjab FC look to build momentum heading into a competitive group stage.
Speaking on the squad, Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said, “We’ve named a balanced squad that combines the experience of our senior players and the youngsters from the academy with the energy of some exciting new additions. The boys have worked hard in training, and I’m happy with the intensity and focus they’ve shown over the past few weeks.
“Gokulam Kerala is a strong and gritty side, and it’s important for us to start the tournament on the right note. We are happy with the training sessions and how the team looks and we hope to start the tournament with a win. Our aim is to perform with discipline and character and start the season on a positive note”, said the Head Coach about Monday’s fixture.
Also speaking about the squad, Nikolaos Topoliatis, Technical Director of Punjab FC said, “This squad reflects the long-term vision we’ve been aiming towards which is to build a strong core of Indian players supported by impactful international signings who bring valuable experience. The group is beginning to take shape well, and we can already see encouraging signs of chemistry and understanding within the team. The Super Cup gives us a good platform to measure our progress and set the tone for the season ahead.”
Punjab FC share a familiar rivalry with Gokulam Kerala FC, having met 13 times across competitions. Their most recent encounter ended in a goalless draw in the Super Cup 2024. Historically, Gokulam hold the edge with six wins, while Punjab have claimed four victories, including two memorable wins during their I-League 2022–23 title-winning campaign, which earned them promotion to the Indian Super League.
Drawn in Group C, Punjab FC will face Gokulam Kerala FC (Oct 27), Mohammedan Sporting Club (Nov 2), and Bengaluru FC (Nov 5). The Super Cup 2025–26 features 16 teams, divided into four groups of four. The group winners will advance to the semifinals, with the tournament champion earning a place in the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary stage (2026–27).
Punjab FC Squad for AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 (Jersey Number in Bracket)
Goalkeepers
Ravi Kumar (1), Arshdeep Singh (13), Muheet Shabir (78)
Defenders
Muhammed Uvais (2), Bijoy Varghese (3), Karish Soram (5) Khaiminthang Lhungdim (12), Pablo Renan Dos Santos (27) (Brazil), Usham Thoungamba Singh (30), Pramveer Singh (35), Nongmeikapam Suresh Meitei (74)
Midfielders
Nikhil Prabhu N (4), Ricky John Shabong (6), Samir Zeljkovic (8) (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Daniel Ramirez Fernandez (10) (Spain), Princeton Rebello (11), Vinit Rai (16), Manglenthang Kipgen (19), Singamayum Shami (21), Leon Augustine (31), Konsam Sanathoi Singh (33)
Forwards
Khumanthem Ninthoinganba Meetei (7), Vishal Yadav (14), Muhammad Suhail F (17), Sagolsem Bikash Singh (23), Ranjeet Singh Pandre (24)
Coaching and Support Staff
Head Coach: Panagiotis Dilmperis
Assistant Coach: Konstantinos Katsaras
Indian Assistant Coach: Sankarlal Chakraborty
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Papaioannou Ioannis
Goalkeeping Coach: Vinay Singh
Team Doctor: Dr. Vipul Rakhunde
Physiotherapist: Disharth Jain
Team Manager: Kaustuv Kashyap
Kit Manager: Shouvik Bhattacharjee
Masseur: Gonesh Dalui
