Calicut FC defeat Kombans in a last-minute thriller to extinguish their Super League Kerala playoff hopes
Kombans come so close, yet remain so far.
Calicut FC clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory against the fourth-placed Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC in the second matchday of the final round fixtures of the Super League Kerala 2025 at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium. Following this loss, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans would have to depend on the result of the Malappuram FC vs Forca Kochi FC match to determine their future in the Super League Kerala.
In the first half, Paulo Victor opened the accounts for the Kombans after skilfully tapping in a carpet pass from Abdul to break the deadlock and provide his side with the much-needed advantage. Calicut tried all their might to find the equaliser, but the resilient Kombans’ backline kept them silent for the vast majority of the match.
In the dying minutes of the game, Calicut FC pulled two goals back off Sebastian Rincon and Ajsal, who scored two back-to-back goals to seal the victory for the defending champions and break the hearts of the Kombans. Following this result, Kannur Warriors FC have qualified for the Super League Kerala playoffs. Kombans have to hope that Malappuram FC loses their match against Forca Kochi FC to qualify. Any other result in the match would lead to Malappuram securing the final playoff spot in Super League Kerala.
Paulo Victor whacks in the opener
Calicut FC were a bit sloppy initially as they made some risky passes that gifted the possession cheaply to the Kombans, which created some trouble for the visiting side. The Kombans got some really good chances to break the deadlock. However, a struggle in decision-making meant that the hosts had to wait to open the accounts. In the 16th minute, Kombans came on the track, as Abdul provided a carpet pass to Paulo into the 6-yard box, which was toe-pawed by Paulo Victor into the back of the net, providing the Kombans with a vital advantage.
In the 23rd minute, Bruno Cunho got a golden opportunity to score and bring the score back to square. However, the Kombans’ keeper Satyajit rose to the occasion and held his strong hands to deny the equaliser. The 26th minute saw Jaganath commit a blatant foul inside the penalty box, which, to the fortune of Calicut, was not called a penalty. The Kombans displayed one of their best performance in the Super League Kerala so far, and rattled Calicut FC with their consistent offensive initiatives.
Rincon and Ajsal seal the late win
Kombans kept attacking, hungry for their second goal, and they came so close to doubling their advantage in the 57th off Jasim, who deployed a screamer from the right, which the Calicut keeper had to stretch to deny. Patrick Mota whipped in a lofted free kick in the 60th minute, which Salam Ranjan Singh connected with. But to his dismay, the ball skied above the bar.
In the 66th minute, Calicut FC created chaos in the Kombans’ box for the first time in the match, as Sebastian Rincon and Bruno Cunha were unable to finish, as the Kombans somehow closed down their shooting angle. As the game progressed, the player’s fitness started depleting, and the game was focused more or less on the midfield.
In the dying minutes, Calicut FC created menace at the Kombans’ penalty box, but Satyajit kept his calm and denied their attempts. However, just as the Kombans were about to clinch the victory, Shanid was forced to foul Sebastian Rincon, leading to the visiting side getting a penalty. Rincon stepped up to take the penalty and brought the scores back to level terms. Calicut FC, continuing the momentum, kept piling immense pressure upon the Kombans. A sting in the tail came in the 101st minute as Ajsal headed in a beautiful free kick to score the second goal of the match and seal the victory for the Kombans.
Upcoming Matches in Super League Kerala 2025
For the final group stage fixture of the Super League Kerala 2025, Malappuram FC will host Forca Kochi FC at the Payyanad Stadium, Manjeri, on the 4th of December 2025.
The Semi-Final 1 will be played at the Corporation Stadium on the 7th of December, Sunday. Thrissur Magic FC, the home side, will face the team that finishes third in the group table. For the Semi-Final 2, the table toppers Calicut FC will face the fourth-placed team on the 10th of December, at the EMS Corporation Stadium. The final will be played at the same venue on Sunday, the 14th of December.
Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala matches on the Sony Sports Network and the Sports.com website from 7:30 pm onwards.
What was the final score between Calicut FC and Kombans?
Calicut FC defeated Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC 2-1.
Who scored the opener for Kombans?
Paulo Victor netted the first goal after a sharp finish inside the box.
Who scored for Calicut FC in stoppage time?
Sebastian Rincon equalised from the spot, and Ajsal headed home the winner.
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Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.