Kannur Warriors FC vs Forca Kochi FC Preview - Team news, lineups | Super League Kerala 2026
Forca Kochiâs only win last season came against Kannur Warriors
The Super League Kerala 2026 is all geared up for its third round, and it all starts at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium, where the defending champions, Kannur Warriors, will lock horns against Forca Kochi FC on the 9th of October, 2026, at 7:30 pm IST.
Forca Kochi FC, with two back-to-back wins, are in blazing form and will be looking forward to continuing their momentum and remaining consistent, while Kannur Warriors, the defending champions, after a penalty loss against Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, will be eyeing a win and a return to winning ways at home.
As both sides have contrasting results in the last round, going head-to-head against each other, the energy and expectations are high.
Here are the stakes involved for both sides in the Super League Kerala 2026 game between Kannur Warriors FC and Forca Kochi FC.
The Stakes
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Kannur Warriors FC
Kannur Warriors FC, the defending champions, would be disappointed with the fact that they had to gift the penalty shootout to Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC. Despite coming back after trailing, what happened in the shootout was surprising.
Their trusted shot-takers Lavsamba and Asier Gomes skied the ball, and the third shot was missed by Varo Alvarez, which ultimately broke their winning streak in the Super League Kerala.
Hence, Kannur Warriors FC would be keen on brushing away the disappointment of losing the last game in front of their fans and stepping off the pitch with a positive result.
Forca Kochi FC
Forca Kochi FC have arguably looked the most dangerous side, along with Calicut FC, so far in the Super League Kerala 2026. After a disappointing Super League Kerala 2025 season, winning only one game, which came against Kannur Warriors, Forca Kochi started the 2026 season just the way they would have wanted.
After winning their first game at home against a strong Malappuram FC side, they went on to defeat Thrissur Magic FC in the last game on penalties. With five points, Forca Kochi are tied with Kannur Warriors FC at the top of the table.
For Kochi, the stakes are simple, remain consistent and composed, play their best football and get a positive result, which would help them cement their position at the top of the table.
Team News
As of now, both teams do not have any injury concerns or suspensions for their upcoming match in the Super League Kerala 2026.
Predicted Lineup
Kannur Warriors FC (4-1-2-3)
Hajmal Sakeer (GK); Manoj S, Varo Ălvarez, Vikas Saini, Sachin Sunil; Ernesten Lavsamba, Asier Gomes, Nijo Gilbert; Faslu Rahman M, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Muhammed Sinan
Forca Kochi FC (4-1-2-3)
Jaimy Joy (GK); Nithin Madhu, Renan Araujo Rocha, Salman Kalliyath, Mohammed Salah, Nahuel Pereyra; Eliton Junior, Faris K; Harshal, Paulo Henrique, Alan Saji
Player to watch out for
Kannur Warriors FC â Frederick Ansah Botchway
Frederick Ansah Botchway will be the primary player to watch out for in the Warriors clash against Forca Kochi FC. The Ghanaian midfielder has quickly established himself as a central anchor for the defending champions, with his ability to transition smoothly into attack.
In Kannur Warriorsâ recent clash against Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, Botchway demonstrated his quality under pressure. With his team trailing 1-0 in the second half, he delivered a game-changing moment, slotting home a cheeky nutmeg finish past Satyajit Bordoloi to restore parity, taking the game to penalties.
He was also key in pressing, making interceptions, winning duels and also showed good physicality in the game throughout the minutes played.
As the Warriors prepare to face the Forca Cruz, neutralising Botchwayâs goal-scoring flair from midfield will be crucial for the Kochi side if they do not want their winning streak to be put in a halt.
Forca Kochi FC â Jaimy Joy
Forca Kochi FCâs goalkeeper, Jaimy Joy, will be the key player to watch out for against Kannur Warriors FC. The custodian joined Forca Cruz last season, and since then he has quickly transformed into a key figure between the sticks, establishing himself as the backbone of their defensive setup and consistently saving the team in high-pressure situations.
In their last game against Thrissur Magic FC, Jaimy Joy delivered a Player of the Match performance. The keeper was called into action early, producing a vital double save in the opening minutes, first coming out to deny Senthamil S before pulling off a full-stretch jump to keep out a dangerous curling cross-shot from Sergio Gil.
After keeping a clean sheet across normal time, Joy made the right decisions during the penalty shootout, diving rightly to deny Muhammed Afsalâs penalty and paving the way for Kochiâs 4-1 victory on penalties.
When and where to watch the Super League Kerala 2026 match between Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC and Kannur Warriors FC?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match between Kannur Warriors FC and Forca Kochi FC will take place on 9th October 2026 at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium
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 is the Kannur Warriors FC vs Forca Kochi FC Super League Kerala 2026 match?
The match will take place on October 9, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium.
Where can fans watch Kannur Warriors FC vs Forca Kochi FC live?
Fans in India can watch the Super League Kerala 2026 match on Zee5 and Unite8 Sports. Viewers in the UAE can follow the action on Etisalat.
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