Super League Kerala: Shanu Stellus' Late Winner Helps Thiruvananthapuram Kombans Beat Kannur Warriors

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over defending champions Kannur Warriors FC in the White Gold Super League Kerala at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium on Saturday.

Substitute Shanu Stellus emerged as the hero, scoring an 89th-minute winner to hand the visitors their first victory in regulation time this season.

The Kombans made an aggressive start and took the lead in the sixth minute through Joao Paredes. The forward escaped the attention of defender Vikas Saini before finding the back of the net with a well-placed finish.

Kannur gradually grew into the contest and restored parity in the 23rd minute. Muhammed Sinan, introduced earlier through the Project Gamechanger initiative, delivered an excellent cross from the right, which Umashankar converted with a bouncing finish.

Both teams continued to attack, but it was the visitors who struck again in first-half stoppage time. Captain R. Shinu capitalised on a Patrick Mota corner to put Thiruvananthapuram ahead in the 45+2nd minute.

However, Kannur responded almost immediately, with Bogdan Stamenkovic finding the equaliser in the 45+4th minute to ensure the teams went into the break locked at 2-2.

The defending champions looked more threatening after the restart, with Nijo Gilbert creating problems down the left flank through a series of dangerous crosses. However, the Kombans' defence held firm.

At the other end, Brazilian forward Paulo Santos and Angola's Kiatalau tested Kannur goalkeeper Hajmal, who produced important interventions to keep his side in contention.

The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute. Stellus, who had come on as a substitute around the hour mark, capitalised on a rebound after Hajmal had initially denied his attempt. Paulo Santos was unable to make a clean connection with the loose ball, allowing Stellus to regain possession and fire home with his right foot.

The result proved significant in the league standings, taking Thiruvananthapuram from fifth to fourth place with eight points. Kannur, meanwhile, slipped to fifth with seven points after surrendering their advantage in a closely contested encounter. The late strike sealed a memorable win for the Kombans, who finally manage a victory within the 90 minutes of an SLK match this season.