Calicut FC vs Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC Preview - Team news, lineups | Super League Kerala 2026
Calicut were the Super League Kerala 2024 Champions
The Super League Kerala action is back in Malabar as the inaugural Super League Kerala winners, Calicut FC, are all set to face Thiruvananthapuram Kombans in the second game of the matchday 1 fixtures of the Super League Kerala 2026. The game is scheduled to take place at the EMS Corporation Stadium and will kick off at 7:30 pm.
Calicut FC, having won the first edition of the league, succumbed in the semi-finals last year and would be looking forward to adding yet another trophy to their cabinet, while Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, who failed to qualify for the playoffs last year, would be hoping for a bright season ahead under the reign of Ian Andrew Gillan, the same manager who led Calicut to their Super League Kerala title. Ahead of the match, the excitements are high, and so are the stakes.
The Stakes
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Calicut FC
Calicut FC have been one of the best teams so far in Super League Kerala history and are one of the only two teams that have qualified for playoffs in both seasons played. The same will be their objective for this season too. Being one of the clubs with the highest investment and a huge fanbase, playing in front of the home crowd puts Calicut under huge expectations to win against the Kombans.
Hence, Calicut will be stepping on the pitch, hoping to get all three points and bringing delight to their beloved Beacons home crowd.
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans have not had their best season in the Super League Kerala 2025. Despite displaying a decent performance throughout the season, the results did not always go in their favour. As a result, the Kombans finished fifth in the group table and were eliminated from the playoff race.
Hence, this season will be all about displaying a comeback and proving that the Kombans are here to fight for the Super League Kerala title. Under Ian Andrew Gillan, the manager of Calicut FC during their Super League Kerala 2024 winning campaign, the Kombans have a brilliant side on paper, and if they can display that performance on the pitch, they could be one of the favourites to win this season.
Team News
Calicut FC will miss the services of Rijohn Jose, who unfortunately passed away three days before the matchday after being involved in a bike accident. Gani Ahmed Nigam, who was also along with Rijohn, will also miss the match, as the player was severely injured in the incident.
Apart from that, there are no concerns regarding the squad for both Calicut FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC.
Head to head record
Matches played: 4
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC win: 0
Calicut FC win: 4
Draws: 0
Predicted Lineups
Calicut FC (4-3-3)
Bishorjit Singh (GK); Ankit Mukherjee, Alexis Gaston Soza, Manoj M, Mohammed Jasim; Federico Boasso, Agustin Villalobos, Emil Benny; Prasanth K, Maximiliano Urruti, Ajith KR
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC (4-4-2)
Satyajit Bordoloi (GK); Pritam Singh, Jose Luis Pena Morena, Stephen Acquah, Shinu R; Patrick Mota, Kiatalua Tadeu Emous, Hrithik Antony; Shijin T, Paulo Cezar, Jamsheed Ali
Player to Watch Out For
Federico Boasso(Calicut FC)
The Argentine midfielder of Calicut FC, Federico Boasso Fleury, is essentially the backbone of the former champions. Though an attacking midfielder on paper, the versatile 31-year-old covers the central midfield and the left midfield areas to add thorns to the Calicut FC attack.
Boasso’s role has been crucial for the Beacons last year in the Super League Kerala 2025. Starting in almost all matches, Boasso’s pinpoint passing and distribution added up to the work of the opponent’s backline.
Boasso has displayed excellent fitness throughout the last season and stood as a strong barrier for the opponents to get inside the box. Boasso won duels, made interceptions and played a good role in keeping the opponents silent. Federico has been retained by the Beacons for the Super League Kerala 2026, and he will be one of the key players in deciding the title race for the inaugural Super League Kerala champions.
Patrick Mota (Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC)
Komban’s Brazilian captain, Patrick Mota, is the irreplaceable soul of the Thiruvananthapuram Kombans and arguably their best player over the two seasons. The versatile midfielder operates in a central role for his side, fulfilling defensive midfield responsibilities, and he is the initial connection between the defence and the attackers in the final third.
Well-known in the Thiruvananthapuram footballing sphere for his excellent distribution abilities and his dominance of set-pieces, having created a plethora of key chances from dead-ball opportunities in the previous seasons, he will be central to controlling the tempo of the home game and breaking the Calicut backline.
When and where to watch the Super League Kerala match between Calicut FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match between Calicut FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC will take place on the 26th of September 2026 at the EMS Corporation Stadium.
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.
When is the Calicut FC vs Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC match?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match will be played on 26 September 2026. The match will be held at the EMS Corporation Stadium.
Where can fans watch Calicut FC vs Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC?
Fans in India can watch the match digitally on Zee5, with linear coverage on Unite8 Sports.
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