The Marina Machans begin their campaign with three consecutive away fixtures, starting against FC Goa on Saturday.
Chennai, October 8, 2026: Chennaiyin FC are set to begin their Indian Super League 2026/27 campaign against FC Goa on Saturday, heading into the new season with eight weeks of pre-season preparation behind them and a squad strengthened with quality additions across the pitch.
The Marina Machans head into the opener with a strong physical and mental foundation, with the head coach confident in the squad’s readiness despite FC Goa having started their preparations earlier due to AFC commitments. “After eight weeks of training, we are prepared physically and mentally. If I say we are not prepared, I would be dishonest,” he said.
With FC Goa hosting the opening fixture of the new ISL season, the Marina Machans will kick off their campaign on the day the league gets underway. The two sides have produced several high-scoring encounters over the years, with their most recent meeting ending in a 1-1 draw in March 2026.
“Winning against Goa, we won’t win the league. Losing against Goa, we won’t lose the league. Consistency over 24 games decides where we end,” he said.
Chennaiyin FC have added quality to their squad in the off-season, with Ayush Dev Chhetri among the new arrivals. The midfielder, who joined the Marina Machans from FC Goa, revealed that the head coach’s call played an important role in his decision to make the move. “Chennaiyin is one of the best clubs, and I really liked the environment here. I’m really happy to be here,” said Ayush.
The Marina Machans have also strengthened their attack with Brazilian forward Ramon De Andrade Souza, their final foreign signing of the off-season, on loan from Indonesian champions Persib Bandung. Ramon scored eight goals in 28 appearances last season, after finishing as the Cambodian Premier League’s top scorer with 21 goals in 2024-25.
“He is a top striker. If he is fit, he is going to trouble many defences. He is explosive,” the coach said.
“We have a couple of players who can play different positions. Shubham can play there, Irfan can play striker, we can play with two number tens. We have different ways. Even without a number nine, we have to find solutions. We have enough quality up front to adapt,” he added.
Chennaiyin FC’s 27-man squad for the Indian Super League 2026/27:
Goalkeepers: Mohammad Nawaz, Samik Mitra, Malhar Mohol
Defenders: Dippendu Biswas, Namgyal Bhutia, Vivek S, Muhammed Saheef, Laldinpuia, Klusner Pereira, Nuno Reis, Vignesh Dakshinamoorthy, Emmanuel Imanishimwe
Midfielders: Nikola Stojanovic, Nitishkumar Metei, Glan Martins, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Jiteshwor Singh, Maheson Singh Tongbram, Madih Talal, Lalhriatpuia
Forwards: Brison Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad, Prakadeswaran S, Harmandeep Singh, Bryce Miranda, Shubham Rawat, Ramon De Andrade Souza
