Super League Kerala: Kannur Warriors to Take on Trivandrum Kombans in First Match

Thiruvananthapuram: Kannur Warriors FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, both semi-finalists from the inaugural season of Super League Kerala, are set to face each other today (05-10-2025). The match is scheduled for 7:30 PM at the Chandrasekhar Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

While last season’s records give Thiruvananthapuram a slight advantage, both clubs have assembled strong squads for the second season of the Super League. When the two teams met in Thiruvananthapuram last year, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. In their second league fixture, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans won with a score of 2-1.
During the group stage, Kannur Warriors played ten matches, securing a place in the semi-finals with 16 points from four wins, four draws, and two losses. Their campaign ended with a defeat to Forza Kochi in the semi-final. Thiruvananthapuram Kombans qualified for the semi-finals with 13 points from ten matches, including three wins, four draws, and three losses. They were eliminated after losing to Calicut FC.

Kannur Warriors have prepared for the Super League with a mix of experienced and young players. The club retained Spanish coach Manuel Sanchez and assistant coach Shafique Hassan, who guided them to the semi-finals last season. Sanchez is the only coach from the previous season to be retained in the league. The team has three strong goalkeepers: the experienced C.K. Ubaid, V. Mithun, and Alkesh Raj. In defence, last season’s players Ashwin and Vikas are joined by Argentinian centre-back Nicolás Delmonte. The midfield, seen as the team’s core, includes Lalsangzuala, former Forza Kochi captain Nidhal Saidh, Ebin Das from Kerala Blasters, and Spanish U-16 player Asier Gomez. The attack is led by captain Adrián Sardinero, who was Kannur Warriors’ top scorer last season, alongside Abdou Karim Samb from Real Kashmir FC. The wings feature players like Shijin, Gokul, and Arjun.
Thiruvananthapuram is coached by Englishman James Patrick, with Alavudheen from Tamil Nadu serving as the assistant coach. The team’s strength lies in its foreign players, with six Brazilian athletes in the squad again this season.

Key players for the Kombans include midfielder Patrick Motha, who was a standout performer last season. The defence is anchored by Filipe Alves and Luri Carvalho. The attack is led by Otavio Bispo, Paulo Victor, and Ronald McAllister. The squad also includes former Indian international player Salam Ranjan Singh, I-League player Shanid Valan, and Bipin Boban. With both teams being strong, a competitive match is anticipated.