Fresh from their IFA Shield triumph, Mohun Bagan SG head into the Super Cup 2025 with renewed confidence. On Saturday they face Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Coach José Molina has made a surprising choice: fan-favourite forward Dimitri Petratos is not in the starting eleven. Also omitted from the list of changeable substitutes are Jason Cummings and Robson Robinho — both fit, but not selected.
In recent seasons Mohun Bagan have stamped themselves among Indian football’s elite — ISL champions, Durand Cup winners and Shield holders. But the Super Cup title still eludes them. For coach Molina, a Spaniard with significant experience, the tournament carries extra importance. In a virtual pre-match press conference he commented: “Our start to the season wasn’t ideal. Yet the IFA Shield win has boosted the squad’s confidence. We are ready for the Super Cup.”
There had been questions over fitness levels following a disappointing Durand Cup campaign. “To reach full fitness you need more matches; in Indian football those opportunities are limited. The IFA Shield’s back-to-back games have helped improve fitness. And most importantly, no one in the squad is injured now — everyone is healthy and prepared,” said Molina.
Their opponents Chennaiyin enter the match without any foreign players, but Molina refuses to underestimate them, “Chennaiyin are a good side. Every match is tough, no win comes easy. We must fight to earn it.” With that mindset, Mohun Bagan have sprung a wide-ranging surprise by naming a first eleven featuring multiple changes ahead of the Chennaiyin clash.
Mohun Bagan SG kick off their Super Cup 2025 campaign at Fatorda Stadium against Chennaiyin FC. Star forward Dimitri Petratos is omitted from the starting XI under coach José Molina’s surprise selection.
Ready to start with a bang 🔥#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #AIFFSuperCup #MBSGCFC pic.twitter.com/h8n3lVKCHK
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) October 25, 2025
Mohun Bagan SG
Mohun Bagan SG, Super Cup 2025, Chennaiyin FC, Indian football, José Molina, Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho, Fatorda Stadium