Super League Kerala: Malappuram Defeats Kochi to Secure Semi-Final Spot

Malappuram FC staged an incredible comeback, scoring four goals after being down by two to secure a victory in the Super League Kerala. At one point, it seemed like a loss was imminent for the team, which only needed a draw to reach the semi-finals. However, a coordinated effort saw John Kennedy score a brilliant hat-trick, with Ishan Pandita adding the fourth goal. For the Kochi side, Abith and Romario were the goal-scorers. Malappuram FC will now face Thrissur Magic in the semi-final on December 7 at the Thrissur Corporation Stadium.

In their starting lineup against Kochi, Malappuram fielded an all-Malayali defense. Muhammed Jaseen was the goalkeeper, with Hakku, Irshad, Sanju, and Tony in defense. The midfield featured Faslu, Badr, Aitor, and Rishad, while Forsi and Kennedy led the attack in a 4-4-2 formation.

The match began with an early solo effort from striker John Kennedy, but his shot went wide. Shortly after, a kick from Kochi’s Abith took an unexpected deflection off defender Irshad and found the back of the net, catching goalkeeper Jaseen out of position. Later, Kennedy’s header from an Irshad cross hit the post. In the 26th minute, a defensive mistake from Malappuram allowed Kochi to score their second goal. However, Malappuram responded immediately, with Kennedy scoring from a Faslu assist. In the 38th minute, an injured Rishad was replaced by Abhijit. Just before halftime, John Kennedy scored again, bringing the match to a 2-2 draw.

The second half started with Kennedy completing his hat-trick, giving Malappuram the lead for the first time in the match at 3-2. The team continued its attacking style of play, creating several dangerous situations in the Kochi box. In the 67th minute, Kennedy was substituted for Roy Krishna, and Elforci made way for Facundo. In the 88th minute, Ishan Pandita scored the fourth goal, completing Malappuram’s comeback and sealing the final score at 4-2.