Super Cup 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC announce all-Indian squad under new head coach Clifford Miranda

The Marina Machans are drawn in Group A alongside the two Kolkata giants and Dempo SC

Chennaiyin FC are set to kickstart their 2025-26 season on Saturday as they square up against last season’s Indian Super League champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The 2025-26 AIFF Super Cup match will be played at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda with kickoff scheduled at 7:30 pm.

There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Marina Machans over the last few months. The club had temporarily suspended its first-team operations after the postponement of the 2025-26 ISL season. However, following some clarity by the All India Football Association, they agreed to participate in the 2025-26 AIFF Super Cup.

The Southern side are paired up with Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Dempo SC in Group A. While it will certainly not be easy, we have historically seen that Chennaiyin FC tend to punch above their weight when the odds are stacked against it.

Clifford Miranda becomes Chennaiyin FC’s new head coach

Chennaiyin FC parted ways with Owen Coyle in July after the ISL season was delayed. The team delivered an underwhelming performance under the Englishman last season, forcing the fans to showcase their unhappiness in the stadium and on social media.

CFC have since hired Clifford Miranda as their new head coach for the new season. Following his appointment, the Goan tactician became the first Indian head coach to lead the two-time ISL champions on a full-time basis.

Miranda brings with him a wealth of experience working within Indian football. He has previously worked at FC Goa, Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan, and was most recently the assistant manager at Mumbai City FC. The 43-year-old’s standout achievement came in 2023 as he led Odisha FC to the Super Cup title.

The Marina Machans are gearing up to the Super Cup with an all-Indian squad!

The Marina Machans have decided to play the AIFF Super Cup with an all-Indian squad. Chennaiyin FC have not made any major signings so far, however their 24-man squad for the AIFF Super Cup did reveal three new names.

CFC have signed Raj Basfore from Mohun Bagan and Klusner Pereira from Inter Kashi to bolster their defence. They have also acquired the services of Kingslee Fernandes from Churchill Brothers to add depth to their midfield ahead of the tournament.

Chennaiyin FC’s squad for the 2025-26 AIFF Super Cup

Goalkeepers: Samik Mitra, Mohamed Nawaz, Mohanraj K.

Defenders: PC Laldinpuia, Ankit Mukherjee, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pritam Kotal, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Laldinliana Renthlei, Sk. Rajjak Ali, Klusner Pereira, Raj Basfore

Midfielders: Farukh Choudhary, Jitendra Singh, Maheson Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jiteshwor Singh, Karthick Thirumalai, Raman Singh Ngangom, Solaimalai R., Kingslee Fernandes

Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Gurkirat Singh, Vivek S.

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