Forca Kochi FC vs Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC Preview - Team news, lineups | Super League Kerala 2026
Forca Kochi FC are unbeaten in their last five matches at JLN Kochi
The Super League Kerala (SLK) is back in action as Forca Kochi FC face Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC on the 16th of October, 2026, at the state’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, for the first game of Round 4.
Both Forca and Kombans have had a decent start to their season, and they currently sit on the third and fourth positions in the 2026 Super League Kerala tables respectively. Forca Kochi FC, with two wins, including a penalty win have five points in their bag, while the Kombans, with two penalty wins, have four points.
While a win for either side would not bring much of a change to the overall points table, a positive result at Kochi would help either team to cement their position in the top four and continue their momentum for the rest of the tournament.
As the Round 4 fixture between Forca Kochi FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans approaches, the expectations from both the fan groups are high, and so are the stakes involved.
The Stakes
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Forca Kochi FC
Forca Kochi, after having a thrilling start to the season, had to succumb to Kannur Warriors, the defending champions, in their Round 3 fixtures.
They will be disappointed with the fact that they were unable to capitalise on their chances and walk home with at least a point. Even though they remain comfortably in the third position, more losses like this can overthrow their faint points advantage over the bottom-placed teams.
Forca Kochi FC, who are unbeaten in the last five games at JLN Kochi, would be looking forward to continuing their streak and keeping their third position in the table intact.
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans come to this away fixture after two exciting home games, where they defeated the strong Kannur Warriors FC and Malappuram FC on penalties.
Despite getting the victory, the Kombans have to be concerned about the fact that their last victory came in stoppage time, where they scored two goals in 90+1 and 90+7 to neutralise the deficit. While fate has favoured them in the last games, that might not be the same every time, especially when they face Forca Kochi FC.
Hence, the Kombans must look forward to keeping their attacking intent high and keeping their defence intact to secure a comfortable cushion, not relying on last-minute winners.
Team News
Forca Kochi FC will miss their defender Nithin Madhu for the upcoming match, as the player was shown a red card in their recent outing against Kannur Warriors FC following a reaction from the player. Apart from that, Forca Kochi FC have a fully available squad.
As far as the Kombans are concerned, they do not have any fitness issues or suspensions for the clash against Forca Kochi FC.
Predicted Lineup
Forca Kochi FC (4-1-2-3)
Jaimy Joy (GK); Mohammed Salah, Salman Faris, Renan Araujo Rocha, Ajay Alex; Eliton Junior, Faris Ali, Nahuel Pereyra; Diljith, Rahul Raju, Harshal Rahman
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC (4-4-2)
Satyajit Bordoloi (GK); Shane Stellus, Shinu R, Stephen Acquah, Abhiram K; Adil P, Kiatalua Tadeu Emous, Patrick Mota, Arjun V; Shijin T, Paulo Cezar
Player to watch out for
Forca Kochi FC – Rahul Raju
The former Gokulam Kerala FC striker, Rahul Raju, will be the player to watch out for against Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC. The RFDL 2021-22 champion and top scorer with Bengaluru FC, Rahul Raju injects creativity and offensive intent in the final third for Forca Kochi FC.
Rahul Raju was decisive for the Kombans in all their matches so far. In the first game, it was Rahul’s late goal that awarded Forca Kochi FC the victory. In their second game, Rahul Raju stepped in to take the final penalty for his team, which he scored and yet again delivered the win from his boots.
In the recent game against Kannur, despite being on the losing side, Rahul had the final touch for the compensatory goal scored by Forca, and with two goals, the striker is currently leading the golden boot race.
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC – Joseph Gordon
Gordon previously played in India for Namdhari FC in the I-League, where he gained notable experience anchoring the midfield. Before his time in Indian football, Gordon spent his early career in the Ghana Premier League with teams like King Faisal FC and Ashanti Gold.
Ahead of the Super League Kerala 2026 season, he made a move to Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, where the midfielder is making a significant impact for the capital city side. In their last game against Malappuram FC, it was Gordon who found the opening goal for the Kombans when they were trailing 2-0 in the 90+1st minute.
His strike provided his side with the much-needed goal to reduce the disparity and provide them with the confidence to score one more in the final minutes of the game and eventually secure the win on penalties. This performance from Gordon also earned him a deserving Player of the Match award.
When and where to watch the Super League Kerala 2026 match between Forca Kochi FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match between Forca Kochi FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC will take place on 16th October 2026 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.
Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala 2026 matches digitally on Zee5, alongside linear coverage on Unite8 Sports. Fans from the UAE can enjoy the Super League Kerala action with Etisalat.
When will Forca Kochi play against Thiruvananthapuram Kombans in the 2026 Super League Kerala?
Forca Kochi FC will face Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC on the 16th of October, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
Who is the current 2026 Super League Kerala top goal scorer?
Rahul Raju of Forca Kochi FC, is the current top goal scorer in the 2026 Super League Kerala.
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