The Hosts Seek Elusive First Win, While The Phoenixes Look To Build On A Dramatic Comeback
Pune: Inter Kashi FC will look to turn their fortunes around when they host Sporting Club Delhi in Match 27 of the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Saturday.
The hosts have endured a challenging start to their MG ISL campaign, collecting just one point from their opening four matches. After a 0-2 defeat to Kerala Blasters FC and a 1-1 draw against Odisha FC, Carlos Vaz Pinto’s side suffered a heavy 1-5 loss to East Bengal FC. Their defensive struggles have been particularly costly, with ten goals conceded so far. In their latest outing, Sumeet Passi briefly brought them level against Goa, before Christian ‘Chiki’ Borrego restored the visitors’ lead.
Vaz Pinto acknowledged the tactical challenge posed by Delhi’s flexibility between a back-three and a back-four system. He also highlighted the importance of managing his relatively small squad while continuing to develop the team's playing identity. “Of course the first focus was to recover the players because as I previously said - ours is a small squad and we have to take care of it,” he said. Despite Delhi’s newfound momentum, the coach urged his team to dictate terms.
Rosenberg Gabriel believes the team is making progress despite having had limited time to prepare for the season. “It's been a good start. We know we didn't have the ideal preparation, but the team has continued to put in the effort on the pitch, as we have in the previous games. That has been very good,” Gabriel said. The forward added that staying fit and consistent, while contributing to the team's results, remains his priority.
Sporting Club Delhi, meanwhile, arrive in Pune with renewed belief after producing one of the best comebacks of the season. Trailing Mumbai City FC 0-2 at half-time, Tomasz Tchórz’s side struck three times in the final 20 minutes through Carlos Fortes, Akshat Mehra and Juan Peña to secure a dramatic 3-2 win. The result followed a 1-1 draw against FC Goa and gave Delhi a timely boost after consecutive defeats to Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Tchórz wants his side to build on that momentum but is wary of the challenge posed by Inter Kashi’s compact defensive structure and individual marking in midfield. “Kashi is a team which at the moment is struggling a little bit but we cannot be relaxed. We have to go there with full respect to them,” he said. The coach also expects changes to his starting XI, “We need some fresh legs, and you can expect some changes in the starting eleven.”
The teams' only previous league meeting ended in a goalless draw in May 2026. Inter Kashi will hope home advantage brings a different outcome, while Delhi seek another result to strengthen their early-season momentum.
The match kicks off at 5:00 PM IST and will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming on SonyLIV and the official MG ISL YouTube channel.
