Calicut FC Begin SLK 2026 Campaign With Comfortable Win Over Thiruvananthapuram Kombans

Calicut FC began their White Gold Super League Kerala 2026 campaign in convincing fashion, defeating Thiruvananthapuram Kombans 2-0 at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Saturday night.

The inaugural champions and last season's league-phase leaders settled the contest with a productive first half, scoring twice before the interval. Although Kombans improved considerably after the break, Calicut's early dominance proved decisive as they started their campaign with three points.

Calicut's four overseas players in the starting XI were all Argentine, and their combination with the Indian contingent helped the hosts control large portions of the opening period. Federico Boasso was particularly influential, operating effectively down the left and repeatedly linking up with captain K. Prasanth.

The opening goal came midway through the first half. Boasso created space for himself before delivering a clever low ball from the left towards Prasanth. The Calicut captain made no mistake with the finish, guiding the ball past Thiruvananthapuram goalkeeper Satyajit Bordoloi to give his side the lead.

Calicut continued to threaten from both flanks, with Under-23 players Andrews and Calwin Thomas impressing with their pace, movement and passing.

The hosts doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time after referee awarded a penalty following a challenge involving Andrews and Kombans defender Jestin George. The decision generated some surprise, but Maximiliano Nicholas showed no hesitation from the spot. He sent his effort to Bordoloi's right while the goalkeeper dived the opposite way.

Kombans, coached by Ian Gillan, who guided Calicut to the inaugural SLK title, struggled to overturn the deficit. Their best opening of the first half came through Ghanaian forward Joseph Gordon, whose effort from the right struck the outside of the net.

The visitors showed greater urgency after the break, particularly during the closing stages, but Calicut remained in control to secure a 2-0 victory.

The result also extended Calicut's dominance in this fixture after they won both meetings against Kombans last season.