Kolkata, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab FC will look to build on their emphatic opening victory when they face East Bengal FC in their final Group II fixture of the IFA Shield 2026-27 at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Wednesday.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m., will determine the group toppers, with both teams having already secured semifinal spots following victories over Calcutta Customs Club in their respective opening matches.
Punjab FC made a commanding start to the tournament, thrashing Calcutta Customs 7-0 on Sunday in Pavlos Dermitzakis’ first match as head coach. New signing Raphael Messi Bouli made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists.
The Cameroon international’s three-goal performance put him level with Mohun Bagan’s Lallianzuala Chhangte at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts. Diego Raposo, Konsam Sanathoi Singh and Bishu Sharma also found the net for Punjab in their opening fixture.
Punjab will also take confidence from the performances of their academy graduates. Manglenthang Kipgen impressed in midfield with his pressing and distribution, while Muhammed Uvais, Suresh Meitei and Nikhil Prabhu contributed to the team’s control of the match.
Dermitzakis acknowledged that East Bengal would pose a tougher challenge, particularly with the home advantage.
“We had a fantastic start to the tournament, and the 7-0 victory showed the attacking quality and tactical discipline we possess. However, East Bengal is a historic club playing in front of their home fans, so it will be a completely different test,” he said.
The Punjab FC head coach also praised the contribution of the club’s academy graduates, particularly Kipgen, and stressed the importance of maintaining the same intensity and teamwork to secure the group’s top position.
East Bengal, meanwhile, began their campaign with a 3-1 win over Calcutta Customs. Despite conceding a goal in the 12th minute, Bino George’s side recovered to register a convincing victory.
With commitments in the AFC Champions League Two and the Indian Super League (ISL), East Bengal have used the IFA Shield to provide opportunities to reserve and emerging players. Akash Hemram and Rohit Danu were among the goalscorers against Calcutta Customs and will be expected to contribute again in attack.
Punjab FC and East Bengal last faced each other in the ISL in May, when they played out a goalless draw at Salt Lake Stadium.
With both sides already through to the semifinals, Wednesday’s fixture will determine the Group II standings and the corresponding advantage in the semifinal draw.
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