Goa, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab FC will look to extend their unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season when they face newcomers Churchill Brothers SC in their first away fixture at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday.
Punjab FC, currently fourth in the standings with four points from two matches, will aim to secure their first away victory of the campaign against seventh-placed Churchill Brothers, who have three points. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5 pm IST.
Known as the Shers, Punjab FC have demonstrated resilience and a knack for scoring late goals this season. In their opening match against Odisha FC, veteran forward Raphaël Messi Bouli scored in the first minute before striking again in the 96th minute to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.
They continued to show their fighting spirit against Mumbai City FC on Monday. After conceding a second-half penalty, Punjab FC fought back to earn a 1-1 draw, with substitute Gurkirat Singh heading home in the 90th minute from a well-placed cross by fellow substitute Sanathoi Meetei.
Head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis has also shown faith in young players. Vishal Yadav started against Mumbai City FC in place of the injured Alfred Planas Moya, becoming the third-youngest player to start an ISL match for Punjab FC.
Academy graduates and emerging talents, including Muhammad Suhail, Bishu Sharma and Arshvir Singh, have complemented the experience of international campaigners Messi Bouli and Diego Raposo.
At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh has marshalled a disciplined defensive unit featuring Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Prabhu, Khaiminthang Lhungdim and Muhammad Uvais.
Punjab FC have yet to concede a goal from open play this season. Odisha FC scored their equaliser from a corner, while Mumbai City FC found the net from the penalty spot.
Reflecting on his team’s late goals, Dermitzakis credited the players’ mentality, tactical preparation and the impact of substitutes.
“Scoring in the dying minutes shows that we are a team with strength and power. It shows our character and mentality, and it proves that we are a team that simply refuses to lose. Crucial to this is the tactical part and the players who come in as substitutes, who have a specific purpose when they enter the match,” Dermitzakis said.
He added that the team was built around balance and expressed satisfaction with its ability to create chances, score consistently and maintain defensive organisation. The coach also noted that the staff had been working on defending set pieces during training.
Sunday’s match will be the first meeting between Punjab FC and Churchill Brothers in the ISL, renewing a rivalry established during their I-League days. Churchill Brothers hold the historical advantage, having recorded three wins and two draws in six previous I-League encounters between the two sides.
Churchill Brothers, coached by Dimitris Dimitriou, began their ISL campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC, with Gaurav Bora and Sebastian Gutierrez scoring. However, they suffered a heavy 4-0 home defeat against defending champions East Bengal in their second match and will be eager to respond in front of their home supporters.
Dermitzakis cautioned his players against underestimating the hosts following their recent setback.
“In the ISL, a previous victory or defeat does not affect the psychology or performance for the next game that much. Churchill Brothers are an enthusiastic team new to the ISL. We will try to take advantage of the moments when we find them unready, but we need to be very cautious. Our target, as always, is to combine a good performance with a positive result,” he said.
Punjab FC have received a boost ahead of the trip to Goa with experienced French midfielder Mickaël Malsa, a former Levante player, included in the matchday squad.
Dermitzakis praised Malsa’s professionalism, saying the midfielder worked every day to ensure he was fully prepared.
Meanwhile, Cameroonian defender Patrick Bahanack has entered the return-to-play phase after sustaining a minor knock. Dermitzakis indicated that the club’s medical staff would take a cautious approach and would not rush his recovery.
Punjab FC will aim to maintain their unbeaten record and build momentum on the road, while Churchill Brothers will be looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat and collect valuable points on home soil.
FOLLOW NOW
