Kochi Ends Seven-Match Losing Streak With A Thumping Win

Forza Kochi FC ended their seven-match losing streak with an impressive victory full of goals. In the eighth round of the Amul-sponsored Sports.com Super League Kerala, they defeated Kannur Warriors FC 4-1 at Kannur’s home ground. Nijo Gilbert scored two goals for the winners, while Sajeesh and Abith added one each. Kannur’s only goal came from Muhammed Sinan. This victory on November 23 gave Kochi their first three points of the season after eight games, although they are already out of the semi-final race. Kannur remains in fifth place with 10 points, and their next two matches are crucial for their chances to qualify for the semi-finals.

Kannur was the first to score at the Jawahar Stadium in the 4th minute. Captain Adriaan Cedranero sent a cross from the left wing, which Ebin Das aimed at the goal. Kochi’s goalkeeper, Jaimy Joy, saved the initial shot, but Muhammed Sinan scored from the rebound to make it 1-0. It was the under-23 player’s third goal in the league. In the 15th minute, Sajeesh, wearing jersey number 14, leveled the score for Kochi. He headed in a goal from a corner kick taken by Nijo Gilbert, making it 1-1.

Before the game reached the half-hour mark, Kochi’s Dutch player Ronald van Kessel left the field with an injury and was replaced by Sreeraj. Following this, Kannur’s Karim Samb had two opportunities to score, but both attempts were unsuccessful. Kochi then took the lead in the 34th minute. Substitute Sreeraj advanced down the right wing and provided a pass that was set up by Ajin for Nijo Gilbert, who scored to put Kochi ahead 1-2.

Three minutes into the second half, Kochi scored again. Gifty Gracious passed the ball to Nijo Gilbert, who skillfully got past two defenders and found the net with a curling shot, increasing the lead to 1-3. Kannur brought on Sayid Nidal for Louhsamba to boost their attack. In the 63rd minute, Kannur earned a free kick just outside Kochi’s penalty area. The shot, taken by Argentinian player Nicolas, narrowly missed the post. Substitute Abith, an under-23 player, scored in the 66th minute to extend Kochi’s lead to 1-4.

In their previous encounter, Kannur had beaten Kochi 1-0 with a goal from Adriaan Cedranero. Despite the rain, 9,029 spectators came to the gallery to watch the match.

On Monday, November 24, the final match of the eighth round will be played between Calicut FC and Malappuram FC. The game will start at 7:30 PM at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode.

Live Coverage:

The match will be broadcast live on Sony Ten 2, DD Malayalam, and Sports.com. In the UAE, viewers can watch the game on Etisalat’s e-vision channel (No. 742).