Kolkata, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab FC will open their IFA Shield 2026-27 campaign against Calcutta Customs Club at Barasat Stadium near Kolkata on Sunday, with newly appointed head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis set to take charge of his first official match.
The Group II fixture will also mark Punjab FC’s first-ever appearance in the historic IFA Shield. The Shers have revamped their squad ahead of the new season, with Dermitzakis naming a 24-member team that combines young prospects, experienced domestic players and international recruits.
The foreign contingent includes European-experienced defender Patrick Gerard Bahanack and newly signed attackers Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya and Raphael Messi Bouli, giving the side additional pace and attacking options.
Punjab FC will also depend on a strong domestic core, with goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh expected to marshal the defence alongside Muhammed Uvais, Bishu Sharma and Suresh Meitei. Nikhil Prabhu and Khaiminthang Lhungdim are likely to have important roles in midfield as the team looks to control possession and transitions.
The squad further reflects the club’s focus on developing young talent through the Roundglass Football Academy. Manglenthang Kipgen, Muhammad Suhail, Arshvir Singh and Ayush Deshwal are among the academy graduates integrated into the first team.
Calcutta Customs enter the contest after a 3-1 defeat to ISL champions East Bengal FC. Customs had taken an early lead through Riki Gharami in the 12th minute on a muddy pitch affected by stormy weather before East Bengal turned the match around.
Dermitzakis said the fixture would provide an early test for his revamped squad.
“We are very excited to begin our IFA Shield campaign. This historic tournament gives us a fantastic opportunity to evaluate our revamped squad in a highly competitive environment early in the season,” he said.
“Calcutta Customs is a resilient side that knows the local conditions very well, but our focus remains on executing our tactical patterns, maintaining our discipline, and starting the group stage with a positive result,” he added.
Punjab FC will next face East Bengal FC in their second Group II fixture on September 30, making a positive result in Sunday’s opener important for their early momentum.
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