Punjab FC Unveils Squad for Kalinga Super Cup Ahead of Odisha FC Encounter
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Synopsis
Punjab FC has disclosed its squad for the Kalinga Super Cup in preparation for the Round of 16 match against Odisha FC, set to occur at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis aims for a successful run with a balanced mix of experienced and young players.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab FC announced its squad for the Kalinga Super Cup.
- Round of 16 match against Odisha FC scheduled.
- Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis focuses on a blend of youth and experience.
- Better head-to-head record against Odisha FC this season.
- Knockout format this year promises intense competition.
Mohali, April 20 (NationPress) Punjab FC has officially unveiled its squad for the Kalinga Super Cup as they prepare for the Round of 16 clash against Odisha FC, scheduled to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar this coming Monday.
Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has selected a squad featuring players from the Indian Super League (ISL) season, during which the team finished 10th. He expresses optimism that the combination of seasoned players and emerging talents will propel the team forward in this tournament.
Regarding the squad announcement, Dilmperis stated, “We have assembled a group that has been cohesive throughout the entire season. The team displayed commendable performance in the ISL, despite falling short of our playoff aspirations. We will approach each match in this competition with focus and hope to advance significantly. Our training has been productive, and we are prepared to deliver.”
This season, Punjab holds a favorable head-to-head record against Odisha FC, having secured one victory and one draw. In their initial encounter, they narrowly triumphed 2-1, thanks to goals from Nihal Sudeesh and Leon Augustine, while their subsequent match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Petros Giakoumakis contributing to the scoreline.
The fifth edition of the Kalinga Super Cup is set to commence on Sunday, featuring Kerala Blasters FC facing off against East Bengal FC. The tournament champion will qualify for the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round.
East Bengal FC, the reigning champions, claimed victory over Odisha FC in the 2024 final held in Bhubaneswar. Previous champions of the Super Cup include Odisha FC (2023), FC Goa (2019), and Bengaluru FC (2018).
In a departure from the last two years, where the tournament featured a group stage followed by semifinals, this year will adopt a pure knockout format, reminiscent of the 2018 and 2019 tournaments, meaning every match is a ‘do or die’ situation.
The Round of 16 matches will be held on April 20, 21, 23, and 24, with the quarter-finals scheduled for April 26 and 27, the semi-finals on April 30, and the final on May 3.
Punjab FC Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ravi Kumar, Muheet Shabir, Ayush Deshwal.
Defenders: Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Melroy Assisi, Likmabam Rakesh Meitei, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Ivan Novoselec, Pramveer Singh, Nongmeikapam Suresh Meitei.
Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky John Shabong, Vinit Rai, Manglenthang Kipgen, Ashis Pradhan, Filip Mrzljak, Laishram Rishikanta Meitei.
Forwards: Asmir Suljic, Petros Giakoumakis, Ezequiel Vidal, Mohammed Suhail F., Ninthoinganba Meetei, Nihal Sudeesh, Luka Majcen, Vishal Yadav, Leon Augustine.
Reserves: Omang Dudum, Manav Singh, Singamayum Shami, Nitesh Darjee.
