Thrissur Magic clinch first Super League Kerala 2026 win after shootout at Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium
Thrissur Magic FC beat Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC in a penalty shootout at the Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium on 23rd October, 2026 in the Round 5 fixtures of the Super League Kerala 2026, securing their first win of the season. Substitute goalkeeper KM Parthiv made two vital saves in the shootout to decide the match.
Thiruvananthapuram approached the game looking to build on recent home momentum by advancing through central channels, while Thrissur deliberately worked the flanks. The Kombans created the first clear opening in the 10th minute when a corner found Shinu free in the box but his header drifted wide. N.A. Anshid was a constant outlet for Thrissur on the left, repeatedly delivering dangerous crosses into the penalty area. Thrissur’s marquee summer signing and captain Mailson Alves was forced off on his debut with a bleeding nose and was replaced by Pampithra Mandi.
Brazilian playmaker Patrick Mota marked his 25th appearance for the Kombans with a powerful free-kick from just outside the box in the 40th minute that struck the crossbar. In first-half stoppage time Joseph Gordon tested the target again with a low effort that went narrowly past the post, leaving the score 0-0 at half-time. The second half opened at a high tempo with chances for both sides.
Early in the second half Anshid sent a low cross to Spaniard Sergio Gil whose close-range attempt was blocked by Kombans defender Pradeesh. Thiruvananthapuram continued to threaten on the break through forward Paulo Santos, but Thrissur’s defence used an offside trap to prevent clear runs on goal. Around the hour mark the hosts produced a series of openings as they sought a breakthrough.
In the 53rd minute Adil met a neat pass from Patrick Mota but his shot struck the side netting, and a minute later Paulo failed to connect properly with Adil’s cross into the six-yard box. Thiruvananthapuram introduced Shanu and Hrithik in the 59th minute to refresh their attack. Thrissur finished the match with late pressure down their right through Shihas, whose long-range effort clipped the outer edge of the Kombans’ post just before the final whistle.
Thiruvananthapuram had won their previous two home tiebreakers this season, but in the shootout KM Parthiv pushed away attempts from Muhammed Nisham and Jamsheed Ali to secure a 4-3 shootout victory, earning Thrissur three points on the road.
The result leaves Thrissur Magic FC bottom of the table with 3 points while Thiruvananthapuram Kombans remain in the 5th position with five points.
