In what turned out to be the most entertaining clash of the opening round of the Super League Kerala, Kannur Warriors FC scripted a historic 3–2 away win over Thiruvananthapuram Kombans at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, their first-ever victory against the capital side. The game had everything: goals, drama, defensive chaos, and moments of individual brilliance.
The match began with early sparks as Kombans’ Brazilian winger Ronald tested the experienced Ubaid CK, who responded with sharp reflex saves. At the other end, Abdou Karim, who has played for Shillong Lajong, Churchill Brothers, and Real Kashmir in the I-League, looked threatening, forcing Aaryan Saroha, who is on loan from East Bengal, into an early save.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Shijin, a Thiruvananthapuram native, headed home unmarked from a corner to give Kannur Warriors the lead. Kombans, however, clawed back in the 55th minute. Autemar Bispo, who had been fouled inside the box, converted the resulting penalty with confidence to make it 1–1.
Just when the home side seemed to be building momentum, disaster struck in the 74th minute. Kombans defender Filipe, in an attempt to clear a cross, ended up putting the ball into his own net, restoring Kannur’s advantage at 2–1.
As the match opened up, Abdou Karim capped off a superb individual performance with a classy back-heel finish off Sinan’s cross in the 90+5th minute, giving Kannur a 3–1 lead. Kombans pulled one back a minute later through Vignesh, whose free-kick from just outside the box slipped past Ubaid CK after a misjudgment from the veteran keeper. Despite a spirited late surge, the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser, and Kannur Warriors held firm to clinch all three points.
Both teams delivered an attacking masterclass, entertaining the crowd with fast transitions and creative play. For Manuel Sánchez Murias and his men, this win not only marks their first triumph over Thiruvananthapuram Kombans but also sets the tone for their Super League Kerala campaign.
Key Moments:
- 6’ — Ronald’s shot saved by Ubaid.
- 15’ — Aaryan denies Abdou Karim one-on-one.
- 28’ — Shijin scores from a corner (0–1).
- 55’ — Autemar Bispo scores penalty (1–1).
- 74’ — Filipe’s own goal (1–2).
- 90+5’ — Abdou Karim back-heel finish (1–3).
90+6’ — Vignesh free-kick goal (2–3).
