SLK 2026: Kombans prevail in shootout against Kannur Warriors

Trivandrum Kombans’ Patrick Mota celebrating after scoring in a penalty shootout during the Super League Kerala match against Kannur Warriors. | Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans began its home campaign on a winning note as it overcame Kannur Warriors in a penalty shootout in the Super League Kerala at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Sunday. Kombans won the shootout 3-0 after both teams ended the regulation time at 1-1.

Warriors’ substitute Federick Botchway cancelled out Muhammed Nisham’s first half strike to push the match into penalties.

In the shootout, the visitors botched up the first three tries while Kombans were bang on target.

Warriors came out with all guns blazing in the second half. Nijo Gilbert was a constant menace on the left flank and the winger gave the decisive pass from which Federick scored the equaliser.

The lively second half was in sharp contrast to the cagey start which saw the teams sizing each other till the half hour mark.

The pace picked up in the final quarter with Warriors earning their first genuine chance in the 31st minute. Vikas Saini chipped the ball over the Kombans defence but goalkeeper Satyajit Bordoli rushed out to collect the ball before Bogdan Stamenkovic could reach it.

Kombans broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when V. Arjun sent a high cross which Muhammed Nisham chested down and shrugged off his marker to place it beyond Hajmal Sakeer’s reach.

In the added time, Nisham shot wide off another Arjun cross and Kombans finished the half strongly with Mota’s curling free-kick narrowly missing the mark.

The result

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans 1 (Muhammed Nisham 43) drew Kannur Warriors (Federick Botchway 79). Kombans won 3-0 on penalties.