Kannur Warriors FC vs Thrissur Magic FC Preview - Team news, lineups | Super League Kerala 2026
Kannur Warriors are the reigning Super League Kerala champions.
The stage is set for yet another season of the Super League Kerala as the Kannur Warriors FC are all geared up to host Thrissur Magic FC for the inaugural match of the Super League Kerala 2026.
On Friday, 25th September, all roads will lead to the Jawahar Municipal Stadium in Kannur as it will witness a rematch of the previous edition’s final, where the Kannur Warriors FC defeated the Magicians 1-0 to clinch the title.
Adding even more drama to this blockbuster opener, the clash will mark the debut of the league’s revamped rulebook. With draws entirely eliminated from the group stage, any match level after 90 minutes will head straight into a dramatic penalty shootout, forcing both sides to fight for every fraction of a point under a brand-new 3-2-1 scoring system.
The Stakes
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Kannur Warriors FC
For Kannur Warriors FC, the Super League Kerala 2026 is all about maintaining consistency. Kannur Warriors is one team that has heavily revamped their squad during the transfer window. The reigning Super League Champions would be looking forward to starting the season with a win that could provide them with momentum for the upcoming matches.
Last year, Kannur Warriors FC were almost left out of the playoff stage and were stuck in the mid-table battle. This year, under the era of Andrey Chernyshov, the Warriors will be looking forward to nothing less than a win in front of their home crowd.
Thrissur Magic FC
For Thrissur Magic FC, the match against Kannur Warriors FC is a chance to redeem themselves from the grief of last year’s final loss. Alongside starting the season on a positive note, a win would also mean sweet revenge on Kannur Warriors FC and a statement that Thrissur Magic FC are fighting for the title this season.
Every match will be a do-or-die for Thrissur Magic FC, and tomorrow, winning is not just an option for them; it is the only option for them. To redeem themselves and make a statement at their opponent’s base.
Team News
As of now, there are no major injury concerns for both Kannur Warriors FC and Thrissur Magic FC, and both sides are expected to bring their best eleven on the pitch to start the season on a positive note.
Head to head record
Matches played: 4
Kannur Warriors FC win: 3
Thrissur Magic FC win: 0
Draws: 1
Predicted Lineup
Kannur Warriors FC (4-4-2)
Hajmas S (GK); Manoj S, Vikas Saini, Varo Alvarez, Faslu Rahman; Ernesten Lavsamba, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Pragyan Gogoi, Muhammed Musharaf; Muhammed Sinan, Asier Gomes
Thrissur Magic FC (4-4-2)
Kamaludheen AK (GK); Sandeep S, Henry Plazas, Midhlaj, Sahad NP; Bladmir Angulo, Mushraf, Lenny Rodriguez, Sergio Gil; Shihas PM, Niyaj K
Player To Watch Out For
Asier Gomes (Kannur Warriors FC)
Asier Gomes, the Spanish midfielder, would be the player to watch for Kannur Warriors in their match against Thrissur Magic FC. Gomes, with over two years of experience wearing the Kannur threads, has been quick to adapt to the conditions and has made a significant impact on the team.
The midfielder’s ability to act as a link between the defence and the attack makes him a potent threat under head coach Andrey Chernyshov’s tried-and-tested setup.
Last season, Asier has been exceptional with the ball, winning duels, making interceptions, and providing some key deliveries into the final third, creating chances for his team. The midfielder linked up exceptionally well with his Spanish counterpart Sardinero and has managed to create multiple chances for the team throughout the tournament.
Notably, it was a penalty goal from Asier, which helped the Warriors lift the Super League Kerala trophy last season.
This season, if once again Asier could display his flair with the ball, he could potentially lead Kannur to their consecutive Super League Kerala title.
Kamaludheen AK (Thrissur Magic FC)
The Magicians U23 goalkeeper, Kamaludheen A K, who emerged as the cornerstone of their resilient defensive setup in the Super League Kerala 2025, would be the key player to watch in their opening match against Kannur Warriors FC.
Apart from Thrissur’s strong attacking unit, Kamaludheen’s consistent performances have played a significant role in the Magicians qualifying for the playoffs and later advancing to the finals last year.
Whenever the Thrissur backline was troubled by the opponents, Kamaludheen kept his alert between the sticks and made multiple match-winning saves for his side. This performance won him the Golden Glove Award for the Super League Kerala 2025 season, and it also led to a worthy call-up under head coach Naushad Moosa to the India U23 probables for the match against Thailand.
If Kamaludheen could effectively stop the heavy attacking unit of the Warriors, Magicians could start the season on a positive note for the days ahead.
When and where to watch the Super League Kerala match between Kannur Warriors FC and Thrissur Magic FC?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match between Kannur Warriors FC and Thrissur Magic FC will take place on the 25th of September 2026 at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium, Kannur.
Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala 2026 matches digitally on Zee5, alongside linear coverage on Unite8 Sports. Fans from UAE can enjoy the Super League Kerala action with Etisalat.
Who will play in the opening match of Super League Kerala 2026?
Kannur Warriors FC will host Thrissur Magic FC in the opening fixture of the 2026 season.
Who are the defending champions of Super League Kerala?
Kannur Warriors FC are the reigning Super League Kerala champions. They defeated Thrissur Magic FC 1-0 in the 2025 final to win the title.
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