The home side kick-off their season with the appointment of a new head coach, Manolo Marquez along with the arrivals of seasoned India internationals such as Sandesh Jhingan and Udanta Singh in the transfer window. Punjab FC, on the other hand, suffered a defeat in their inaugural ISL match
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant will next host Bengaluru FC on September 27 whereas Punjab FC will travel to Goa to take on the Gaurs at the Fatorda Stadium on October 2.
Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis is wary of the challenges his side may face in the Indian Super League but demanded his team prove themselves on the pitch.
Punjab FC have announced the final four additions to their Indian roster for the 2023-24 season - midfielder Sweden Fernandes, defenders Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei and Mashoor Shereef and goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunnaiyil.
Wilmar joined Punjab FC with a wealth of footballing experience in South America, having played in the top leagues in Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. He has also had stints in Europe and Asia, playing in Portugal, Bulgaria, South Korea, China and the UAE.
Goals by Muhammed Nemil, Carlos Martinez and Devendra Murgaokar helped the Men in Orange wrap up their Durand Cup group stage campaign with a win on Wednesday.
Punjab FC (PFC) will look to keep their knockout chances alive when they face East Bengal in their last Group A fixture of the 132nd Durand Cup that will be played here at the Kishore Bharathi Krirangan.
Mohun Bagan SG have already secured their place in the knockout stages of the tournament after victories over Bangladesh Army Football Team and Punjab FC. Meanwhile, East Bengal FC are in the hunt for their first win after being held to a 2-2 draw by the Bangladesh Army Football Team.
The Indian Super League (ISL) teams, Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC, are all set to face each other in their Durand Cup 2023 group stage clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday.
Punjab FC have announced their 26-member squad for the 132nd Durand Cup ahead of their opening Group- A fixture against Hero ISL Cup winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which will be played tomorrow here at the Kishore Bharathi Krirangan.