| Calicut vs Tvm | |
| MATCH | SPL |
| DATE | 26 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 07.30 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Calicut |
Calicut FC vs Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC: Match Preview
Calicut FC, the inaugural Super League Kerala champions, will begin their 2026 campaign at home when they face Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC on Matchday 1. The fixture is scheduled to be played at EMS Corporation Stadium, with kick-off at 7:30 PM.
Calicut FC enjoyed a historic first season by lifting the Super League Kerala trophy in 2024. Although they were unable to defend their title after suffering a semi-final exit in 2025, they remain one of the competition's strongest sides. The club will be aiming to make a positive start to the new campaign and once again challenge for the championship.
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC, meanwhile, will be looking to put last season's disappointment behind them. The Kombans finished fifth in the league standings in 2025 and missed out on the playoffs. They now enter the new campaign with renewed ambition under head coach Ian Andrew Gillan, who previously guided Calicut FC to their inaugural Super League Kerala title.
Calicut FC
Calicut FC have established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in Super League Kerala. They are one of only two clubs to have reached the playoffs in both previous editions of the competition.
Playing at home in front of their passionate supporters, Calicut will be under pressure to deliver a strong opening performance. Their objective will be to control the game, make the most of their attacking opportunities and secure all three points.
The club's experience of competing at the highest level of the tournament could prove valuable as they begin another title challenge.
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans endured a difficult 2025 campaign despite showing promising performances during parts of the season. Their fifth-place finish ultimately left them outside the playoff positions.
The arrival of Ian Andrew Gillan provides an interesting storyline ahead of the new campaign. Having previously led Calicut FC to Super League Kerala glory, Gillan will now attempt to guide the Kombans towards a much stronger season.
With a fresh campaign ahead, Thiruvananthapuram will hope their performances can translate into consistent results and put them in contention for a playoff place.
Team News
Calicut FC will be without Rijohn Jose following his tragic death in a motorcycle accident three days before the match. Gani Ahmed Nigam, who was also involved in the accident and suffered serious injuries, is expected to miss the fixture as well.
There are no other major squad concerns reported for either Calicut FC or Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC ahead of the match.
The opening fixture promises an intriguing contest between the inaugural champions and a Kombans side hoping to start a new chapter under a manager who knows exactly what it takes to win the Super League Kerala title.