Forca Kochi FC vs Malappuram FC Preview - Team news, lineups | Super League Kerala 2026
Forca Kochi were the runners-up of Super League Kerala 2024
After a wait of one whole season, the Super League Kerala returns to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, as two strong sides, Forca Kochi FC and Malappuram FC, are all set to lock horns against each other on the 27th of September 2026 at 7:30 pm as part of the final game of the matchday one fixtures of the Super League Kerala.
The game will promise a great clash in the third season of the Super League Kerala, with both sides seeking points from the first game.
The Stakes
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Forca Kochi FC
Forca Kochi FC, having finished as runners-up in the inaugural season, had a terrible Super League Kerala 2025, losing almost all their matches played and finishing at the bottom of the table.
Hence, this season, the primary objective for Forca Kochi would be to fetch maximum points early in the season and ensure that they remain in the top four throughout the tournament, and avoid any mid-table struggles in the final stages of the season.
Malappuram FC
Malappuram FC has been the one team in the Super League Kerala that has always come so close but remained too far from the silverware. In the first season, despite starting the season on a positive note, they fumbled in the latter part and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Last season, Malappuram remained consistent throughout the season before ultimately succumbing in the semi-finals. This season, Malappuram FC’s objective will be nothing less than the silverware.
As one of the most active sides in the transfer window, the squad has undergone a complete revamp. If the newly formed squad performs in line with expectations, Malappuram could clinch their first silverware in the Super League Kerala 2026.
Team News
As of now, both Forca Kochi FC and Malappuram FC do not have any major injury concerns, providing the managers the autonomy to deploy their best eleven for their inaugural match of the Super League Kerala 2026.
Predicted Lineup
Forca Kochi FC (4-3-3)
Debjit Majumder (GK); Nithin Madhu, Renan Araujo Rocha, Ajay Alex, Mohammed Salah; Eliton Junior, Nahuel Pereyra, Jishnu P; Sangeeth Satheesh, Paulo Henrique, Vishnu CV
Malappuram FC (4-3-3)
Devansh Dabas (GK); Nithin Madhu, Abdul Hakku Nediyodath, Mashoor Shereef, Harikrishnan M; Bongani Zungu, Abdelhay Elforsy, Rishad PP; Grace-Adieu Youmou, Amadou Soukona, Akbar Sidhique
Player To Watch Out For
Forca Kochi FC – Sangeeth Satheesh
The 21-year-old winger Sangeeth Satheesh will be the Forca Kochi player to watch out for in their match against Malappuram FC. In the Super League Kerala 2025, Sangeeth has been arguably one of the best players for Forca Kochi. The winger was scouted in the ‘Project Gamechanger’ initiative and was signed by Forca Kochi ahead of their 2025 season, and his impressive performance has led to his retention for the 2026 Super League Kerala.
Starting the last season from the bench, as the tournament progressed, Sangeeth slowly became the constant starter for Forca Cruz, and despite the club performing disappointingly last season, Sangeeth had an overall excellent individual performance. If Sangeeth could continue at the same level of performance he displayed in the Super League Kerala 2026, he could potentially be one player to keep an eye on this season.
Malappuram FC – Amadou Soukona
The French-Malian striker Amadou Soukona will be the spearhead to watch in the Malappuram FC attack. The experienced forward, who previously showcased his goalscoring touch in Indian football with Rajasthan United as well as Ligue 1 side Toulouse FC, brings a blend of physical presence and clinical finishing to the pitch.
Operating as the focal point of the front three, Soukona’s ability to hold up the ball, win aerial duels, and link up with the dynamic wingers makes him a constant threat to the opponent’s backline. Having established a track record as a sharp goalscorer across European and Indian circuits, his movement inside the box and composure in key moments will be vital for Malappuram FC as they look to unlock tight defensive lines in the Super League Kerala.
When and where to watch the Super League Kerala match between Forca Kochi FC and Malappuram FC?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match between Forca Kochi FC and Malappuram FC will take place on the 27th of September 2026 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.
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 Forca Kochi FC vs Malappuram FC match?
The Super League Kerala 2026 match between Forca Kochi FC and Malappuram FC will be played on September 27, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST.
Where can fans watch Forca Kochi FC vs Malappuram FC?
Fans across India can watch the match digitally on ZEE5, with linear coverage available on Unite8 Sports. Fans in the UAE can watch the competition on Etisalat.
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