Super League: Kannur Warriors and Malappuram FC Match Ends in a Draw

Malappuram: The Super League Kerala match between Kannur Warriors FC and Malappuram FC ended in a goalless draw, with neither team able to score a goal. After a cautious first half, both sides showed more attacking intent in the second period. After two rounds, Kannur Warriors continue to lead the points table with four points from two games. In their opening match, they had defeated Thiruvananthapuram Kombans.

Malappuram’s goalkeeper, Muhammed Azhar, was named the Man of the Match for his exceptional performance, saving several confirmed goal-scoring opportunities for Kannur Warriors.
Both teams made changes to their starting lineups from the previous game. Kannur Warriors played in a 4-3-3 formation, while Malappuram FC set up in a 3-5-2 style. For Kannur, Sandeep was included in the starting eleven, with left-back Manoj playing as a winger in place of Gokul.

Malappuram brought in Akbar Siddique to their starting lineup, replacing Faslur Rahman who was injured in the first match.
For Kannur, CK Ubaid was the goalkeeper. The defense consisted of Nicolas Delmonte, Sandeep, Vikas Saini, and Sachin Sunil. In the midfield were Lalsamba, Ebin Das, and Asier Gomes, while Manoj, Shijin T, and Abdu Karim Samba formed the attack.

Muhammed Azharuddeen was in goal for Malappuram. The defense included Abdulhakku, Nidin Madhu, and Jithin Prakash. The midfield was comprised of Facundo Bellacco, Badar, Gani Ahmed, P.A Abhijith, and captain Aldalur, with Roy Krishna and Akbar Siddique as the forwards.

Kannur Warriors started cautiously but soon settled into the game, maintaining possession and creating chances, primarily from the right wing. In the 31st minute, a cross from Sachin Sunil into the box was punched away by Malappuram’s goalkeeper, Azhar. In the 33rd minute, a shot from midfielder Ebin Das from outside the box went just wide of the post. Malappuram also had some opportunities but couldn’t convert, leading to a goalless first half.

The second half began with more intensity. Malappuram FC’s Gani Ahmed received a yellow card in the 49th minute, and Jithin Prakash was booked in the 50th minute for a foul on Shijin. The subsequent free-kick taken by Ebin Das was met with a diving header by Shijin, but it went off target. Karim Samba then attempted a bicycle kick from the loose ball, which also missed the goal. In the 55th minute, Kannur had a clear chance to score when a cross from Manoj was headed towards the goal by Shijin, but goalkeeper Azhar made a brilliant save. A minute later, Malappuram FC had a golden opportunity when Roy Krishna broke through the defense, but a strong tackle from Kannur’s Sandeep stopped the attack. In the 63rd minute, Kannur’s Nicolas Delmonte received a yellow card. In the 81st minute, a corner from Ebin Das created a chance for Vikas, but his chip was punched away by Azhar. A minute later, Azhar again came to Malappuram’s rescue, saving a powerful header from Nicolas Delmonte. Substitute Kennedy made a few attempts for Malappuram, but the match ended in a stalemate.