Kombans win Super League Kerala shootout

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC secured a 3-0 penalty shootout victory over Kannur Warriors FC on 4th October 2026. The result, following a 1-1 draw in regular time, earned Kombans two points and lifted them to fourth in the Super League Kerala table. The visitors missed all three of their penalty attempts while Kombans were perfect from the spot.

How the match unfolded

The first half was a cagey affair. Both teams sized each other up until the pace picked up in the final quarter. Warriors earned their first genuine chance in the 31st minute when Vikas Saini chipped the ball over the Kombans defence. Kombans broke the deadlock just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, V. Arjun sent a high cross into the box. Muhammed Nisham chested it down, shrugged off his marker, and placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Hajmal Sakeer's reach. Nisham later shot wide from another Arjun cross in added time, and Kombans finished the half strongly with a curling Mota free-kick that narrowly missed.

The second half was far more lively. Warriors' Nijo Gilbert was a constant menace on the left flank. His decisive pass created the equaliser for substitute Federick Botchway, who cancelled out Nisham's first-half strike. Botchway's clever nutmeg finish brought the defending champions level. The game remained 1-1 through regulation, forcing a shootout. In the shootout, the visitors botched their first three tries. Kombans goalkeeper Satyajit Bordoli rushed out to collect the ball before Bogdan Stamenkovic could reach it on one key occasion. Kombans were bang on target with all their attempts to seal the 3-0 shootout win.

League standings and upcoming fixtures

The result tightens the early-season table. Calicut FC and Forca Kochi FC lead the way, tied on five points each, with Forca Kochi second due to superior goal difference. Kannur Warriors remain in third with three points and a goal difference of +1. Thiruvananthapuram Kombans now sit fourth with two points and a goal difference of -2.

Round 3 fixtures begin on 9th October. The action includes a key top-of-the-table clash and Kombans' next home game.

Other team positions and goal scorers

Malappuram FC and Thrissur Magic FC are tied on one point each, both with a goal difference of -1. Malappuram is ranked fifth because they have scored one goal, while Thrissur is sixth with zero goals scored. Several players have opened their accounts for the season with one goal each.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC will look to build on their shootout momentum when they face Malappuram FC on 11th October back at the Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium.