Kolkata, October 24: Overcoming months of uncertainty and schedule reshuffles, Indian football’s new season is finally ready to begin. The AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 kicks off tomorrow in Goa, featuring fixtures that promise an exciting start, including the return of two Kolkata giants to the national stage.

The opening day will see East Bengal FC face Dempo SC at 5:30 PM in Bambolim, followed by Mohun Bagan Super Giant taking on Chennaiyin FC at 7:30 PM in Fatorda.

East Bengal FC vs Dempo SC: Legacy Meets Ambition.

This fixture marks Dempo SC’s comeback to mainstream Indian football after nearly a decade. The Goan club, under the leadership of former player and now head coach Samir Naik, is fielding a development squad built primarily from its academy notably without any foreign signings. Despite joining the competition on short notice, Dempo are determined to make their presence felt.

Match View – Dempo Coach Samir Naik:

“We started our preparations a few months ago with the I-League in mind. It’s a challenging tournament, but we’re ready for Super Cup,” said Naik ahead of the match.

East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon started his coaching career in India in Goa, so he is well aware of Dempo. Oscar shared he remembers one of the Federation Cup semifinals where his team faced Dempo, a side full of great footballers, once an Indian football powerhouse. Oscar believes that after the long gap, Dempo wants to return to that level again.

Remsanga and Provat Lakra didn’t travel with the Red And Gold brigade, while Debjit got a muscle injury during practice. The coach thought of including him in the first eleven, but hasn’t finalized anything about the lineup yet.

Match View – East Bengal Coach Oscar Bruzon:

“The team is full off determination, confidence, with two pre season tournament which we have, we mature a lot. Our team is improving. We hope we can compete with our best in the Super Cup.”

Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Chennaiyin FC: Fresh Energy on Both Ends.

Later in the evening, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will begin their campaign under Jose Molina, who confirmed that the squad is injury-free, well-practiced, and well-prepared following their recent pre-season tournament. The Mariners head into the Super Cup on a high, having lifted the 125th IFA Shield 2025, a victory that further sharpened their rhythm and confidence ahead of the new season.

Match View – Mohun Bagan SG Coach Molina:

“We had good preparation as we played few matches in last weeks, and that went well, the team is in good condition happy. We expecting to have a good match tomorrow. We are in a good position, we can have a good Super Cup.”

Their opponents, Chennaiyin FC, arrive with a completely Indian squad under new head coach Clifford Miranda, who lifted the Super Cup with Odisha FC in 2023. Miranda views this campaign as a test of resilience and belief for Indian players. His focus is on attitude and effort, proving that Indian footballers can compete effectively without relying on foreign reinforcements.

Although the coach admits concerns about physical readiness after an extended off-season, Miranda emphasized the importance of adaptation. With three matches in six days, he believes the key lies in improving game by game while maintaining mental strength and unity.

Match View – Chennaiyin FC Coach Clifford Miranda:

“Bieng out of training about more than five months, within short period of time we need to turn up for our first game, three games in six days it’s crazy, but we believe we need to adapt, we need to be ready yes it’s difficult, in terms of physically, adaption, but we are ready and hopefully we improve match by match. Truly believe in the players that we have, who wanting to prove themselves”.

All fixtures throughout the tournament will be held in Fatorda and Bambolim, setting the stage for a month of high-intensity football in Goa. With both tradition and transition defining the opening day, the 2025–26 AIFF Super Cup promises to begin with a compelling blend of history, youth, and ambition.