Super League Kerala 2026: Kannur Warriors begins title defence with scrappy win

Kannur Warriors FC player Asier Gomes celebrates scoring against Thrissur Magic FC. | Photo Credit: S K MOHAN

Kannur Warriors FC began its title defence in front of around 11,000 fans with a scratchy 1-0 win over Thrissur Magic FC at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium here on Friday.

Warriors failed to come up with a commanding show against Magic FC which was caught in the early season blues.

Magic was woefully short of ammunition up front as it managed only two shots in the entire match.

Leading by a goal at half-time, Warriors played percentage football in the second and looked to attack on the counters. Magic, despite holding more possession in the second half, couldn’t break the Warriors defence.

The match-decisive goal came in the 17th minute off an error from Magic defender Henry Junior Mendoza whose aimless kick was intercepted by Nijo Gilbert. Nijo headed the ball to Bogdan Stamenkovic who slung in a low cross into the box where Asier Gomes met it with a right-footer.

Magic sparked to life briefly in the second quarter and Anshid produced his side’s best effort but Warriors goalkeeper S. Hajmal made a good save at the near post.

However, Warriors regained control in the last quarter. Fasulu Rahman fluffed a good chance in the 39th minute by shooting over the bar after he was put in position by Muhammed Sinan.

Magic goalkeeper A.K. Kamaludheen then saved a poor effort from Stamenkovic in the added time.