Punjab FC target return to winning ways against flying Inter Kashi FC

Punjab FC and Inter Kashi FC have never played against each other.

Following a poor setback away from home, Punjab FC will be heading home to face an in-form Inter Kashi FC. The match is intended to take place on April 20, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, with a scheduled kick-off time of 19:30 IST in the Indian Super League 2025-26 season.

Punjab FC are coming off a disheartening 3-2 loss to Mohun Bagan SG at the Salt Lake Stadium, while Inter Kashi FC is coming off two consecutive victories against Chennaiyin FC and Mohammedan SC.

While Punjab are anticipated to approach the game with the objective of making amends for their previous defeat, Habas will be hoping for a favourable outcome to extend their winning streak.

The Stakes

Punjab FC

Punjab FC, who began the season with a defeat, responded dramatically with a five-game unbeaten streak, winning three and drawing two. However, their streak came to an end in the last game, when Mohun Bagan Super Giants gave the Shers their second defeat of the season.

More than the outcome, Panagiotis Dilmperis would be dissatisfied with the way in which his team lost the game. Putting aside refereeing issues, losing after taking the lead twice in the game would be extremely disappointing.

Despite the two goals, they had a number of further scoring opportunities but were not lethal enough to put the game to bed. 

Coming up against an all-Indian defence in Kashi, the Shers’ offensive form would give Panagiotis some optimism heading into the game.

Osuji, Nsungusi, Dani Ramirez, and Samir Zeljkovic all have been in fine scoring form this season and will be aiming to chip in with a few goals to get back to winning ways and push themselves into the title battle.

Inter Kashi FC

Inter Kashi’s debut season in the ISL has been quite inconsistent thus far. They began the season unbeaten, with two draws and one win in their first three games. However, they have slumped in form after that, losing three games in a row.

However, following the March international break, they appear to have regained their rhythm.

Habas’ side started the game on the front foot, taking an early lead thanks to Asif’s strike. However, they settled for a one-goal lead and let the opposition grow into the game, allowing them more time and space on the ball to create chances.

Nevertheless, the defenders were on top of their game and did everything in their power to maintain the clean sheet.

Habas would want his defenders to put up a similar performance against Punjab, one of the league’s finest attacking teams, by keeping things tight at the back and capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities.

Team News

Punjab FC expects to have a completely fit team available for selection, with the exception of Nikhil Prabhu, whose fitness remains doubtful after missing the previous four games due to injury.

Inter Kashi’s Rohit Danu may miss the game against Punjab after departing early in the previous game due to injury. Mario Barco remains unavailable, as anticipated.

Head-to-Head

Punjab FC and Inter Kashi FC have never competed against each other in any competition before, and this would be their first meeting.

Predicted Lineups

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1)

Arshdeep Singh (GK), Lhungdim, Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer, Muhammed Uvais, Ricky Shabong, Samir Zeljkovic, Manglenthang Kipgen, Dani Ramirez, Bede Osuji, Nsungusi Effiong

Inter Kashi FC (4-4-2)

Shubham Das (GK); Sandip Mandi, Nishchal Chandan, Narendar Gahlot, Nishu Kumar; Mohammed Asif, Wayne Vaz, Sergio Llamas, Prasanth K; Alfred Planas, Ashish Jha.

Players to Watchout

Punjab FC – Dani Ramirez

Dani Ramirez is on fire right now, having scored three goals in the last three outings. While the ability was evident from the start, the Spanish offensive midfielder took quite some time to find his goal-scoring rhythm.

It’s not just the goals that makes Dani Ramirez dangerous. As an advanced midfielder, he has an excellent passing range and constantly provides vital opportunities for his wingers and attackers. And if you manage to keep him queit from open play, he will demonstrate his skills with perfect crosses from set pieces.

Wayne Vaz and Sergio Llamas must ensure Dani is given no space whatsoever. Even the slightest lapse could prove costly and could determine the outcome of the game.

Inter Kashi FC – Narender Gahlot

Inter Kashi FC has been playing well defensively, conceding only one goal in their past two games. They preserved a clean sheet against Mohammedan and were almost perfect against Chennaiyin until Chima’s late goal. And the greatest part? It’s all done with an all-Indian backline.

Much of the credit must go to the team’s captain, Narender Gahlot, who has done an excellent job in commanding the box and coordinating his fellow defenders. Narender, alongside Nishchal, has been very proactive in his defending, lunging forward to win challenges higher up the pitch and gain possession.

Narender has been using his agility and physical abilities to his maximum advantage, easily winning individual battles with opposing strikers. Facing an in-form Nsungusi, Habas will hope that his skipper remains on top of his game and ensures yet another clean sheet at the back.

Telecast details

The match between Punjab FC and Inter Kashi FC will take place on April 20, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi.

The match kicks off at 19:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and will be available to stream on FanCode.

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