Chennaiyin FC has officially unveiled its 24-member squad ahead of their opening fixture in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 against Mumbai City FC, scheduled for April 23 (Wednesday) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The tournament, which runs from April 20 to May 3, features a knockout format with 16 teams vying for the title, including all 13 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and three I-League sides.
Led by head coach Owen Coyle, the Chennaiyin FC squad is captained by Scottish forward Connor Shields and boasts a mix of seasoned internationals and rising Indian talent. Shields will be supported in attack by the prolific Wilmar Jordan Gil and Daniel Chima Chukwu. Gil, in particular, is aiming to make history by becoming the top all-time scorer in the Super Cup.
The team’s midfield strength is bolstered by Indian standouts Irfan Yadwad and Jiteshwor Singh, while the creative reins will be held by Brazilian midfielder Lukas Brambilla and Portuguese playmaker Elsinho Dias. Defensive duties will be anchored by veterans like Ryan Edwards, Pritam Kotal, and Edwin Sydney Vanspaul.
The goalkeeping responsibilities are shared among Mohammad Nawaz, Samik Mitra, and Malhar Umesh Mohol, offering the team depth and flexibility between the posts.
Full Chennaiyin FC Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohammad Nawaz, Samik Mitra, Malhar Umesh Mohol
Defenders: Ryan Edwards, PC Laldinpuia, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Ankit Mukherjee, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pritam Kotal, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul
Midfielders: Jitendra Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jiteshwor Singh, Elsinho Dias, Lukas Brambilla, Farukh Choudhary, Maheson Singh
Forwards: Connor Shields, Vincy Barretto, Kiyan Nassiri, Wilmar Jordan Gil, Gurkirat Singh, Irfan Yadwad, Daniel Chima Chukwu
The stakes are high at this year’s Super Cup, with the champion not only earning INR 25 lakh in prize money but also securing a coveted spot in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League 2 playoffs. With a strong squad and experienced leadership, Chennaiyin FC will be aiming to start their campaign on a high note and challenge for continental football next season.
