Punjab FC eye strong start under Dermitzakis in IFA Shield opener
Punjab FC makes their historic IFA Shield debut under coach Pavlos Dermitzakis against Calcutta Customs at Barasat Stadium.
Punjab FC is set to embark on a historic journey as they begin their maiden campaign in the prestigious IFA Shield 2026-27. The "Shers" will face off against Calcutta Customs Club at the Barasat Stadium this Sunday, marking a significant milestone for the club as they enter this storied tournament for the very first time.
A New Era under Pavlos Dermitzakis
This Group II encounter is more than just a seasonal opener; it serves as the competitive debut for newly appointed head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis. The Greek tactician has arrived with a clear vision, having assembled a revamped 24-member squad designed to balance grit with flair.
Dermitzakis has focused on creating a formidable roster that blends international quality with local talent. The squad features several key international acquisitions intended to inject pace and clinical finishing into the team. Notable names include European-experienced defender Patrick Gerard Bahanack, alongside the attacking trio of Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, and Raphael Messi Bouli.
Tactical Backbone and Youth Integration
To combat the challenges posed by the local side, Punjab FC will rely heavily on a solid domestic core. The defensive line will be anchored by goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh, supported by the defensive resilience of Muhammed Uvais, Bishu Sharma, and Suresh Meitei. In the midfield, the responsibility of orchestrating play and managing transitions falls on Nikhil Prabhu and Khaiminthang Lhungdim.
Furthermore, the club is making a clear statement regarding its commitment to youth development. Several standout graduates from the Roundglass Football Academy—including Manglenthang Kipgen, Muhammad Suhail, Arshvir Singh, and Ayush Deshwal—have been promoted to the first team, offering them a professional platform to showcase their skills.
The Road Ahead: Momentum is Key
For Punjab FC, the mission is clear: secure three points to build early momentum. A positive result on Sunday is vital before they face local giants East Bengal FC in their second group-stage fixture on September 30.
Speaking about the upcoming challenge, Dermitzakis noted: "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. We have built a formidable mix of experienced international players, established domestic leaders, and talented young boys from our Roundglass Academy."
While acknowledging the difficulty of the task, the coach added: "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."
Calcutta Customs enters the fray looking to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat against ISL champions East Bengal FC. Despite a spirited early goal by Riki Gharami in their previous outing, the local side will need to find more consistency to upset the visiting Shers.