Gokulam Kerala FC vs Samaleswari SC: Preview, Predicted Lineups, Team News | IFL 2026-27
Carlos Eduardo Parreira’s Malabarians eye kickstarting new season with win over debutants from Sambalpur
The EMS Corporation Stadium in Calicut, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is set to host the opening Matchweek fixtures of the Indian Football League, where home team Gokulam Kerala will lock horns with Samaleswari in what promises to be a thrilling clash between two giants.
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If Trijoy Dias had not scored that goal in the dying seconds of the game against Namdhari, the Malabarians would have been relegated to the third division. The two-time I League champions have made too many changes to the roster, and the Malabarians are all set to turn around their fortunes in the new season.
Talking about Samaleswari, the Odisha-based outfit is set to make its debut in the second tier. After a long time, I League football returns to the coastal state of Odisha. The Sambalpur outfit acquired the IFL license of Delhi FC and will be keen to make their debut a memorable one.
One side has history and legacy, while the other seeks to make a name for itself in Indian football. We can expect this to be a fiery clash between these two sides in God’s Own Country.
The Stakes
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Gokulam Kerala
The Malabarians have roped in Brazilian gaffer Carlos Eduardo Parreira, who has massive experience coaching in Asia for teams like Wuhan China, Al Ittihad Kalba UAE and Al-Qaisumah after Renjith CM’s interim spell got over.
Taking a look at their foreign roster, the Malabarians have assembled a decent team. Brazilian duo of Crislan and Victor, the Spanish duo of Mikel Kortazar and Hugo Diaz, Portuguese João Rodrigues and Ghanaian forward Denny Antwi make up the foreign unit of Gokulam.
Domestically, midfielder Lalchungnunga Chhangte has joined from Sreenidi Deccan. After a disappointing last season, the onus will now be on the Brazilian gaffer with massive experience to turn things around for Gokulam and make them strong contenders to win the IFL.
Samaleswari SC
The Sambalpur-based outfit is set to make its debut in the Indian Football League. From playing fourth-division football last season to acquiring the IFL license for Delhi, the Odisha outfit will be keen to make the most of its time and have a memorable debut in the second tier.
They are led by Abdul Azim Siddique. Talking about their foreign players, they have acquired the services of Argentine maestro Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Liberian striker Jamal Arago and Ghanaian midfielder Kamal Issah.
Team News
Both sides have their full squad apart from any injury and they are ready for their first IFL 2026-27 season clash which mark as the opening game of this new campaign.
Head-to-head record
Samaleswari are set to make their debut in the Indian Football League and this will be the first meeting between these two sides.
Predicted Lineup
Gokulam Kerala Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Shibin Raj (GK): Soyal Joshy, Mikel Kortazar, Sarthak Golui, Sachu Siby, Ayush Adhikari, Mirjalol Kasimov, Nili Perdomo, Lotjem, Crislan, Victor Matheus
Samaleswari Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Aaryan Anjaneya (GK): Prosenjit Chakraborty, Robin Chettri, Manjit Sharma, Shahid Nazir Wani, Aubin Kouakou, Armand Bazie, William Pauliankhum, Asrar Rehbar, Basit Bhat, Gnoheré Krizo
Player to watchout for
Hugo Diaz
The Spanish midfielder came to India having previously plied his trade with top European clubs like Leeds United, Getafe reserves and Salamanca. He played a crucial role in helping Diamond Harbour win the IFL 2025-26 season.
The Spanish midfielder scored 8 goals in 13 games for Diamond Harbour and was in red-hot form. He will be keen to replicate his goal-scoring form in the new season for his new team.
Diaz understands the second tier quite well and he will be a key player to watch out for Gokulam Kerala in the upcoming season.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Samaleswari made headlines after they roped in former ISL Shield winner and ISL Cup winner Jorge Pereyra Diaz. The veteran Argentine has plied his trade with top teams like Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC.
Diaz has previously played in Kerala and is aware of the conditions in Calicut. He will be tasked with creating chances and scoring goals for Samaleswari.
The Odisha outfit is set to make its debut in the Indian Football League tomorrow, and they couldn’t have found someone better and more experienced than Diaz to take charge of the midfield.
Telecast Details
As Khel Now revealed earlier, Gokulam Kerala are ready to lock horns against Samaleswari on Saturday, 31st October, 2026, from 18:30 IST at the EMS Stadium in Calicut as both sides will aim for a win in their first game to gain momentum from the first round itself.
The match and the rest of IFL 2026-27 season will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming on Waves OTT.
When will Gokulam Kerala FC vs Samaleswari SC take place?
The match will take place at the EMS Stadium on 31st October, 2026, from 18:30 IST
When & where can I watch Gokulam Kerala FC vs Samaleswari SC?
Gokulam Kerala FC vs Samaleswari SC will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming on Waves OTT
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