AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI: Matchday 3 of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 sees old foes Punjab FC and Gokulam Kerala FC pitted against each other at the GMC Stadium, in Bambolim, Goa, at 16:30, while newbies Sporting Club Delhi play their first-ever game against Mumbai City FC at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 19:30.
The match in Bambolim will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel, while the game at Fatorda will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and streamed on JioHotstar.
Punjab FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC: Old rivalries renewed
Both Punjab FC and Gokulam Kerala FC were, once upon a time, fierce rivals fighting it out at the top of the I-League, before the former got promoted to the Indian Super League in 2023-24.
Now in different leagues, Punjab and Gokulam will look to get a good start to the AIFF Super Cup with a win. Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis sounded cautious about Gokulam Kerala, but was confident about his side’s abilities to negotiate the challenge.
“We’ve watched Gokulam Kerala, and they have a clear style of play – both in attack and defence – with several quality players,” said Dilmperis. “But as an ISL team, we need to be focused on our plan, while remain humble at the same time. Yesterday’s result (East Bengal’s 2-2 draw against Dempo SC) was a big reminder. If you lose focus, surprises may happen.”
Punjab midfielder Nikhil Prabhu believes that the Super Cup is a good way for his side to gauge where they stand as a team, ahead of the league season.
“I think the Super Cup is a great way to understand what our levels are, and what we need to improve,” said Prabhu. “We’ve been training very well and developing as a group. We’ll go all out in this tournament – our goal is to bring the trophy to the club.”
Gokulam Kerala have had a forgettable time at the IFA Shield 2025, losing both their Group B matches against Mohun Bagan SG (1-5) and United SC (0-1). However, head coach José Hevia has used the time after the tournament to develop new strategies with his team.
“We only had six days to prepare for the IFA Shield, but since then, we’ve been able to introduce many new concepts in training that we couldn’t before,” said Hevia. “The team has taken a new shape now, and the players have been showing positive results in practice. We expect a much better performance now.”
Attacker Trijoy Dias, who has moved to Gokulam from Churchill Brothers this season, will be relishing the opportunity to play at his home ground once again.
“We’re going for the three points. The environment is very good, the players are working hard, and we’re hoping for the best results,” said Dias.
SC Delhi vs Mumbai City FC: Tough opponents for ISL’s latest team
Sporting Club Delhi is the latest team in the ISL, having shifted base to a new city with new management, new coaches, and essentially a new team. The Red Brigade, however, face a stiff test against an experienced Mumbai City FC in their first official match at the PJN Stadium.
Head coach Tomasz Tchorz said, “Mumbai City are a very competitive and demanding team with many top players – both Indian and foreign.
“But for us, it will be a great benchmark, both for me as a coach and for our players, to see how we can compete against one of the strongest teams in the country.”
While on-pitch performance is top priority for SC Delhi, the new club is also looking to link the same with building community in the capital.
“Our role as a professional club is to get people into the sport – not just through results, but also through our work and how we connect with the community,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for Delhi and surrounding areas like Noida and Gurugram. Having a club in the top tier gives them the chance to watch and participate in the game. Our role is significant – to rebuild football in the capital.”
SC Delhi defender Alex Saji feels that the experience of Tchorz, who has previously worked with clubs like Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters, has helped the players settle in quickly.
“He (Tchorz) has been in India for six years, and enjoys working with young players. It has helped us gel quickly, and the atmosphere here is like a family – we’ve built a strong group and are really looking forward to the season,” said Alex.
Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky, on the other hand, sounded quietly confident of his side’s chances.
“I think the team is good enough to succeed. We just need to stick together, play our way, and work hard. Tomorrow’s game will be our first test, but I’m happy with how the team is progressing,” said Kratky.
Mumbai winger Lallianzuala Chhangte sounded content with the team’s preparations. “We’ve had a very good preparation over the last few weeks – working really hard and staying disciplined, and remaining sharp both mentally and physically and mentally.
“SC Delhi are a good side that can hurt us, but our focus is to play with intensity and get the first goal as soon as we can,” said Chhangte.
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