Thrissur Magic FC v Forca Kochi FC — Super League Kerala 2026 preview, team news and lineups
Thrissur Magic FC will host Forca Kochi FC at the Corporation Stadium in Thrissur on 1 October 2026 in the opening fixture of Round 2 of the Super League Kerala 2026. Thrissur seek their first win after a 1-0 opening defeat to Kannur Warriors FC, while Forca Kochi arrive on the back of a late victory over Malappuram FC.
Thrissur Magic were the runner-up in the Super League Kerala 2025 and Forca Kochi were the runner-up in the Super League Kerala 2024. This is Thrissur’s first home match of the SLK 2026 season and last year the Magicians defeated Forca Kochi in both meetings between the sides. Expectations for both teams are high and the article notes that the stakes are elevated for this fixture. Thrissur are currently placed fifth in the Super League Kerala group table.
In their opening match, Thrissur Magic struggled to create chances against Kannur Warriors FC, registering only two shots across the game, and will be targeting three points on home turf to avoid the mid‑table struggles they experienced in their first season before ultimately failing to qualify for the playoffs. The club’s stated objective is to secure three points and push into the top four. The Magicians’ need for a positive result is underscored by that home setting and the early-season defeat.
Forca Kochi won their first match of the SLK 2026 campaign and the preview reports they remained in second position with three points after that result. Their victory over Malappuram FC arrived late and, according to the report, came via a gamble whose outcome favoured Forca Kochi; the piece says the side were not at their best in that game. The club’s stated aim is to remain consistent, seal another win in Thrissur and occupy the top positions while addressing the underperformance of last year.
Sergio Gil is identified as Thrissur’s player to watch after producing some promising moments in the defeat to Kannur, initiating several attacks despite his side’s overall difficulties. The article states he has almost 12 years of experience in Spanish football and that this is his first-ever appearance in Asian football for Thrissur Magic FC. The preview suggests that if he adapts quickly to Indian conditions and improves on his last outing he could be a decisive presence for the Magicians.
Rahul Raju is named as Forca Kochi’s key player, described as a former Gokulam Kerala FC striker, an RFDL 2021-22 champion and the top scorer with Bengaluru FC. The report says Rahul was introduced as a second-half substitute against Malappuram, shifted momentum on his arrival with long-range efforts and key passes, and in the 90+3rd minute gambled a long-range shot that was fumbled by the keeper and rolled into the net to secure the late winner for Forca Kochi. The piece refers to his potential to score again and mentions “Forca Cruz.”
The preview states both teams have no injury concerns or suspensions for the upcoming match. Lineups provided in the article read: Kamaludheen A K (GK); Sandeep Santosh, Henry Plazas Mendoza, Abdul Samad P P, Senthamil S; Muhammed Basith P T, Lenny Rodrigues, Midulaj C K; Muhammed Jiyad, Anshid N A, Muhammed Shihas P M Jaimy Joy (GK); Nithin Madhu, Renan Araujo Rocha, Salman Kalliyath, Mohammed Salah, Nahuel Pereyra; Eliton Junior, Faris K; Harshal, Paulo Henrique, Alan Sergio Gil (Thrissur Magic FC). Fans in India can watch Super League Kerala 2026 matches digitally on Zee5 and via linear coverage on Unite8 Sports, while viewers in the UAE can follow the competition on Etisalat.
The Super League Kerala 2026 fixture between Thrissur Magic FC and Forca Kochi FC takes place on 1 October 2026 at the Corporation Stadium, Thrissur; Thrissur Magic are currently ranked 5th in the SLK 2026 table and the article also lists Forca Kochi as currently ranked 3rd in the SLK 2026 table.