Thiruvananthapuram: Kannur Warriors FC kicked off their Super League Kerala Season 2 campaign in style, defeating Thiruvananthapuram Kombans 3-2 in an intense clash that showcased attacking football at its finest. The match, held at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, kept fans on edge until the final whistle, with both sides displaying relentless pace and precision. 

Goals from Shijin T, Senegalese forward Abdou Karim Samb, and an own goal by Kombans defender Felipe Alves secured the win for Kannur. Autemar Bispo and Vignesh found the net for the home side.

Both teams started aggressively in identical 4-3-3 formations, setting a fast tempo from the outset. In the seventh minute, Kombans’ Brazilian striker Ronald Makalysten tested Kannur’s veteran goalkeeper C K Ubaid with a fierce solo attempt, but Ubaid’s diving save kept the score level. Kannur nearly struck back in the 15th minute when Abdou Karim Samb outpaced Salam Ranjan Singh but narrowly missed the target.

Ubaid remained sharp between the posts, denying another dangerous header from Makalysten in the 21st minute. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Spanish midfielder Asier Gomes delivered a precise corner, which an unmarked Shijin T calmly slotted home to give Kannur the lead.

While the visitors looked more organised and purposeful, the Kombans relied on flashes of individual brilliance, primarily from Makalysten, during the first half.

The hosts equalised seven minutes into the second half after Vikas fouled Autemar Bispo inside the box. Bispo made no mistake from the spot, sending Ubaid the wrong way and continuing the tournament’s trend – a penalty goal in each of the first three matches.

Kombans suffered a setback in the 65th minute when Abdul Badish was forced off due to injury, replaced by U-23 player Muhammed Sanooth. Ten minutes later, misfortune struck the home side again when defender Felipe Alves, attempting to clear a dangerous cross from Kannur’s Muhammed Sinan, inadvertently sent the ball into his own net, restoring Kannur’s advantage.

In stoppage time, Sinan once again played provider, delivering a pinpoint cross for Abdou Karim Samb, who made no mistake to extend the lead to 3-1. Vignesh managed to pull one back for Thiruvananthapuram with a curling free-kick in the dying seconds, but it was too late to change the outcome.

With this victory, Kannur Warriors FC have made a strong early statement in Super League Kerala Season 2, combining tactical discipline with fluid attacking play – and proving that beautiful football doesn’t need rough edges.