Punjab FC eye winning start to Super Cup against Gokulam Kerala FC

Punjab FC were eliminated by winners FC Goa in the previous edition of the Super Cup.

As the Super Cup gets underway, supporters of different ISL and I-League teams are thrilled to watch their favourite team play football again. With the first two groups already underway, Punjab FC and Gokulam Kerala FC will be kicking off Group C at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa. Since both of these teams have a strong competitive past from their I-League days, the contest is certain to be fascinating.

Neither team has played much competitive football in the past six months. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped either team from making some significant signings. Both have signed up few foreign players for the Super Cup, indicating their massive commitment to winning the competition.

In addition to overseas players, the clubs have also made significant domestic additions. For example, Gokulam has recruited Samuel Kynshi, Soyal Joshy, and Shigil, whereas Punjab has added Arshdeep Singh, Uvais, Bikash Singh, and Bijoy.

The Stakes

Punjab FC

Punjab FC were one of the handful of ISL clubs who began their preseason early and competed in the 2025 Durand Cup. They competed with an all-Indian roster but were unable to go past the group phase, finishing five points behind leaders Bodoland FC. They are back in play in the 2025/26 Super Cup after a brief hiatus.

Panagiotis Dilmperis and the club have recruited three foreigners just in time for the Super Cup, after parting ways with all of their foreign players at the end of last season. Dani Ramirez, former Real Madrid reserve player, features among the five foreigners. Other foreigners include Samir Zeljković and Pablo Santos.

In terms of preparation for the game, they have played two friendlies against Sporting Club Delhi and Namdhari FC. They ended up winning in both matches by scoreline of 4-1 and 2-1, respectively. With a weakened Mohammedan and I-league team Gokulam Kerala in the group, the Shers will undoubtedly compete for the top spot.

Gokulam Kerala FC

Gokulam Kerala FC is coming off a dismal form in the 2025 IFA Shield, where they had been placed in Group B alongside Mohun Bagan Super Giants and United SC. While a loss against Mohun Bagan was anticipated, they also lost 1-0 to United SC, finishing bottom of the group with no points.

In terms of signings, Gokulam Kerala has made two significant moves at the top. One change is that head coach José Hevia has replaced Ranjith TA, who was appointed on interim basis at the tail end of last season. Jose has vast knowledge in Indian football, having worked for Pune City, Punjab, Shillong Lajong, and Mohammedan in various roles over the last decade.

The hiring of Derrick Pereira as technical director is another significant addition. Derrick, an expert in Indian football, will be looking to help the team progress to the ISL.

In addition to leadership changes, the club has signed five foreign players: Alfred Planas, Edu Martínez, Juan Carlos Rico, Matías Hernández, and Albert Torras. They have also recruited more young Indians to their already strong Indian core from the previous season. With Mumbai City and Punjab in the same group, getting to the next round will be difficult but not impossible.

Team News:

Despite playing in recent friendlies, forward Omang Dodum has not been included in the club squad, according to the AIFF website. It’s unclear if the young, talented striker will play in the competition. Apart from him, Panagiotis Dilmperis is expected to have a completely fit team.

No fresh injuries have been reported in the Gokulam camp, and everyone is anticipated to be available for the game.

Head-to-Head:

Games played: 13

Punjab FC: 4

Draws: 3

Gokulam Kerala FC: 6

Predicted Lineups:

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1)

Arshdeep Singh (GK); Lhungdim, Pablo Santos, Pramveer Singh, Muhammed Uvais; Vinit Rai, Nikhil Prabhu; Ninthoi, Dani Ramirez, Muhammad Suhail; Vishal Yadav

Gokulam Kerala FC (4-4-2)

Rakshit Dagar (GK); Nidhin Krishna, Athul Unnikrishnan, Matías Hernández, Malemngamba Singh; Samuel Kynshi, Rishad PP, Albert Torras, Emil Benny; Alfred Planas, Juan Carlos

Key Players to Watch

Muhammad Suhail (Punjab FC)

If there is one winger in Indian football right now who people would pay to see, it’s Muhammad Suhail. Suhail, who broke into the senior team last season, has gone on to do amazing things with the India U-23 side under Naushad Moosa. He was also picked for the senior NT camp but did not make the final team.

With the foreign players yet to settle in, all eyes will be on Suhail. Being able to play on either wing and take on his defender with ease makes Suhail an ever-present danger to the fullbacks. In a match against an opponent that gave up five goals against Mohun Bagan, Suhail will be looking to enhance his goal count.

Albert Torras (Gokulam Kerala FC)

Torras has a wealth of experience playing in the lower divisions of Spanish football, having played for the youth teams of Espanyol, Barcelona, and Wolves. The success of Gokulam’s upcoming season will be greatly influenced on how he plays in the midfield.

He has a difficult job replacing Martin Chaves, who was a key member of the Malabarians’ squad the previous season. When playing against players like Dani Ramirez and Nikhil Prabhu, Albert needs to be at the top of his game or risk his side falling behind.

Did you know?

• These two clubs last met in the 2024 Super Cup, which resulted in a 0-0 draw.
• Dani Ramírez has played more than 100 games for Real Madrid reserves.
• All five foreigners of Gokulam Kerala are Spanish.

Telecast Details:

The Super Cup match between Punjab FC and Gokulam Kerala FC will take place on October 27, 2025 at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Goa. The match is set to kick off at 16:30 PM IST. The match will be streamed live for free on the AIFF YouTube channel.

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