Thiruvananthapuram Kombans secure a 3-0 penalty win against defending champions Kannur Warriors in Super League Kerala 2026
Kombans bring a halt to the Warriors’ unbeaten streak
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC secured a thrilling victory (3-0 on penalties) against the defending champions Kannur Warriors FC on the 4th October 2026, at the Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium in the final match of the Round 2 fixtures of the Super League Kerala 2026.
In the first half, Kombans, who were at the bottom of the table, started with aggression, eyeing a win at home. They pressed high and kept attacking using long balls.
However, a lack of coordination meant that they were unable to find the opener. Kannur, on the other hand, kept things simple by slowly building up, keeping possession and creating attacks, capitalising on the Kombans errors.
The deadlock came in the 42nd minute, courtesy of Nisham, who cleverly trapped the long ball to his chest and took a shot at the second post to give Kombans the advantage ahead of the break. In the second half, Frederick Ansah Botchway made a nutmeg placement to the back of the net, helping the Warriors bring the score back to level terms.
In the penalties, three misses by Kannur Warriors meant that the Kombans walked away with a win and two points in hand. Here is a detailed report of the Super League Kerala 2026 match between Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC and Kannur Warriors FC.
Nisham draws the first blood
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Thiruvananthapuram Kombans had the first touch of the game, and right from the first whistle, they set an attacking tone for the game.
The Kombans kept pressing the Warriors and forced errors from them, and then proceeded to initiate their attacks with some teasing long balls. Meanwhile, the Kannur Warriors, who were a much more composed side, defended calmly and made their slow buildups by keeping possession.
The Kombans continued to venture deep into the attack, courtesy of Jamsheed, Mota and Paulo. However, when the ball came inside the 18-yard box, there was a lack of coordination among the team members, which meant that the Warriors’ backline were not put to the real test.
In the rare instances when the Kombans came close to creating danger, Varo Alvarez stood strong to neutralise the threat.
In the 31st minute, Stamenkovic capitalised on an error from the Kombans’ backline and had a brilliant opportunity to breach their net, but the keeper, Satyajit, kept his eyes on the ball, made a run and effectively got hold of the ball, preventing the visitors from scoring.
In the 42nd minute, Arjun provided a searching long ball inside the box to Muhammed Nisham, who trapped it on his chest and took a shot to the far post, which found the back of the net, providing Kombans with the advantage and their first goal of the Super League Kerala 2026 season.
Just minutes later, Nisham and Arjun got chances to extend the lead, which they were unable to properly connect with, and at the stroke of half-time, Kombans were leading 1-0 against the Warriors.
Frederick brings the parity
In the second half, both Kannur and Kombans fought for a goal with increased intent. However, both defences stood strong and kept the danger away. In the 60th minute, the substitute Shijin T won a free kick from a dangerous position for the Kombans. Patrick Mota, who stepped up to take the shot, provided a brilliant delivery inside the box, which was connected properly by Paulo Santos.
However, to his dismay, the ball brushed the crossbar and went over it, keeping the Kombans waiting to find their second goal.
In the 79th minute, Nijo Gilbert provided a measured cross inside the box to Frederick Ansah Botchway, who, after tricking the Kombans defender, took a shot at the bottom corner, which Satyajit had to watch roll into the back of the net, as Kannur Warriors found their equaliser.
Following this, both teams played safe, and the game proceeded to the penalty shootout.
Kombans win in penalties
For the Warriors, their trusted Asier Gomes and Lavsamba shockingly skied the ball while Kiatalua and Patrick Mota found the back of the net.
Varo Alvarez, who came next for Kannur, took a shot to the right, which Satyajit saved with precision. Joao Diogo Marques, who took the final shot for the Kombans, seamlessly converted the goal, providing the Kombans with a much-needed win.
Upcoming match in Super League Kerala
The Round 3 fixtures of the Super League Kerala will start from the 9th October, with the match between Kannur Warriors FC and Forca Kochi FC at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium.
On the 10th, the action moves to the Corporation Stadium, Thrissur, where Thrissur Magic FC will face Calicut FC.
For the final game of the round, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans will face Malappuram FC at the Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on the 11th of October.
Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala 2026 Malabar derby between Calicut FC and Malappuram FC digitally on Zee5, alongside linear coverage on Unite8 Sports. Fans from the UAE can enjoy the Super League Kerala action with Etisalat.
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