Kannur Warriors host Thrissur Magic in Super League Kerala 2026 opener

Kannur Warriors FC will host Thrissur Magic FC at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium in Kannur on Friday, 25 September 2026 in the opening match of the Super League Kerala 2026. The fixture is a repeat of the previous edition’s final, which Kannur won 1-0.

The match will inaugurate the 2026 Super League Kerala season under a revised rulebook that removes draws from the group stage; any game tied after 90 minutes will proceed directly to a penalty shootout and points will be allocated under a 3-2-1 scoring system. Kannur enter the game as reigning champions after their 1-0 victory over Thrissur in last season’s final and will seek a positive start at home. Thrissur arrive aiming to atone for last year’s defeat in the title match.

Kannur Warriors have overhauled their squad during the transfer window and are prioritising consistency as they begin this campaign. The reigning champions, managed by Andrey Chernyshov, will be looking to kick off the season with a win to build momentum after a previous campaign that saw them drift into a mid-table battle before the playoffs. The club’s preparations emphasise starting strongly in front of their home crowd.

Thrissur Magic view the fixture as an opportunity for immediate redemption from the 2025 final loss and to signal their title ambitions in 2026. Under head coach Naushad Moosa, the Magicians will treat the opener as important in setting the tone for the campaign. The side’s objective for the match is to secure a result away from home against the champions.

As of the latest reports, there are no major injury concerns for either Kannur Warriors FC or Thrissur Magic FC and both teams are expected to field strong starting elevens. Kannur Warriors FC win: 3 Thrissur Magic FC win: 0

Kannur predicted lineup: Hajmas S (GK); Manoj S, Vikas Saini, Varo Alvarez, Faslu Rahman; Ernesten Lavsamba, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Pragyan Gogoi, Muhammed Musharaf; Muhammed Sinan, Asier Gomes.

Thrissur predicted lineup: Kamaludheen AK (GK); Sandeep S, Henry Plazas, Midhlaj, Sahad NP; Bladmir Angulo, Mushraf, Lenny Rodriguez, Sergio Gil; Shihas PM, Niyaj K.

Asier Gomes remains the player to watch for Kannur Warriors after more than two years with the club, having been influential in midfield last season by winning duels, making interceptions and supplying deliveries into the final third. Gomes linked effectively with Spanish teammate Sardinero and scored a penalty that contributed to Kannur lifting the Super League Kerala trophy in 2025, making him central to Andrey Chernyshov’s tactical plans.

Kamaludheen A K is Thrissur’s key figure between the sticks after emerging as a cornerstone of their defensive unit in 2025 and winning the Golden Glove award that season. His performances helped Thrissur reach the final and earned him a call-up to the India U23 probables for the match against Thailand; the Magicians will rely on his shot-stopping to counter Kannur’s attack.

The Super League Kerala 2026 opener between Kannur Warriors FC and Thrissur Magic FC will be played at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium, Kannur on 25 September 2026. Tickets are available on Skillbox and the competition will be streamed in India on Zee5 with linear coverage on Unite8 Sports, while viewers in the UAE can follow the action on Etisalat.