Football

Forca Kochi FC staged a remarkable comeback to salvage a 1-1 draw against high-flying Calicut FC in the Mahindra Super League Kerala at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Wednesday night.Calicut, playing at home in front of a boisterous crowd, began as the favorite after its impressive away victory over Malappuram FC. Despite Kochi's promising start, Calicut took the lead through its local forward Gani Nigam, who had scored twice against Malappuram, just before halftime.Kochi's goal came as a surprise to Calicut. Jijo Joseph skillfully evaded several defenders and sent a precise pass to Nigam. The Calicut forward, despite being closely marked, calmly lifted the ball over Kochi goalkeeper S. Hajmal, who could only watch helplessly as it sailed into the net.The home side nearly extended its lead early in the second half, but Richard Osei's dangerous header from a corner was expertly saved by Hajmal.Kochi emerged from the break with renewed vigor, and within 10 minutes, the Calicut goal came under intense pressure. However, goalkeeper Vishal Joon thwarted three consecutive attempts by the visiting players.The equalizer finally arrived in the 75th minute when South African Ngubo Siyanda headed in a long cross from the right by Kamalpreet Singh.The result leaves Calicut with five points from three matches, while winless Kochi has two points.

Mario Lemos, a 38-year-old Portuguese coach, is set to make his Indian debut with Forca Kochi FC in the inaugural Super League Kerala. Lemos has a proven track record in Asian football, having guided Dhaka's Abahani Limited to stunning victories over former ISL champion Chennaiyin FC and former I-League winner Minerva Punjab. He sensationally led the Bangladesh side to the AFC Cup's inter-zone semifinals in 2019.Lemos's arrival in Kerala is seen as a significant step for the new league, which aims to provide a platform for talented players and coaches in the state. Lemos believes that the Super League Kerala can serve as a stepping stone for him to reach some of India's top clubs in the I-League and Indian Super League."I did a good job back in Bangladesh. Now, I think this is a stepping stone to show my work...I'll do it," said Lemos in an interview.Lemos's appointment comes at a crucial time for Forca Kochi FC, which is still awaiting the arrival of two foreign players and five Indians. However, Lemos remains optimistic about the team's chances in the league."I would say we have 70% of the team. The (Kerala) Police players are yet to come, they are the more experienced players...all the young ones have come," said Lemos.Lemos is confident that he can prepare the team for the first match of the league against Malappuram FC on September 7."I have to find solutions, I have to adapt. I think everybody is going to have some problem, it's a new league, it's normal. To be honest, I've been in worse situations...sometimes, I've had lesser time. Two weeks give me some time to work, I think I have a good idea what I want to do. In two weeks I can really push them for the first match," said Lemos.Lemos's experience and determination will be crucial for Forca Kochi FC's success in the Super League Kerala. The league is expected to be highly competitive, with several other teams also aiming to make a mark. However, Lemos is confident that his team has the potential to challenge for the title.