Football

In a thrilling Super League Kerala encounter at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Kannur Warriors FC emerged victorious over a spirited Malappuram FC, securing a 4-3 victory and a berth in the semifinals.Kannur, desperate for a win after their previous loss, started the match with a flurry of attacks. Spaniard Asier Gomes opened the scoring in the second minute with a precise cross from Rishad. Midfielder Pragyan Sundar doubled the lead in the eighth minute, showcasing his determination and skill as he dribbled past defenders and beat goalkeeper Muhammed Sinan.Malappuram, however, refused to be outdone. Faslu Rahman pulled one back in the 28th minute with an angled shot, followed by a smart freekick from Aitor Aldalur just before halftime. The teams were level at 3-3 in the 52nd minute when Sergio Barboza scored for Malappuram.But Kannur had the last laugh. Adrian Sardinero restored their lead in the 48th minute, and Alister Anthony sealed the victory with a goal in the 79th minute. The result propelled Kannur to 16 points, level with league leader Calicut FC, and secured their place in the semifinals.The match was a testament to the attacking prowess of both teams, with seven goals scored in total. Kannur's quick start and Malappuram's resilience made for an entertaining spectacle. The victory was crucial for Kannur, who had been under pressure after their previous defeat.

In a thrilling Super League Kerala encounter at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Forca Kochi FC fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Kannur Warriors FC in the dying moments of the match.The visitors, Kannur, took the lead in the 17th minute through midfielder Pragyan Sundar Gogoi. A fine cross from Munmun Timothy found Adrian Sardinero inside the box, who quickly relayed the ball to Gogoi. The midfielder sent a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving Kochi goalkeeper S. Hajmal helpless.Kochi responded with determination, launching a series of attacks down the right flank. However, Kannur goalkeeper P.A. Ajmal made several impressive saves to keep the home side at bay. The visitors' defense also played a crucial role in thwarting Kochi's attempts to equalize.As the match entered its final stages, the tension mounted. With just three minutes remaining, Kochi striker Dorielton Gomes raced into the box and was brought down by Ajmal. The goalkeeper failed to gather the ball cleanly, and Gomes pounced on the rebound to score the equalizer.The goal sent the Kochi crowd into a frenzy, while Kannur was left to rue their missed opportunity to regain the lead in the league table. The draw leaves Kannur level with Calicut FC at the top of the standings, but Calicut has a superior goal difference. Kochi, meanwhile, climbed to third place, leapfrogging Thiruvananthapuram Kombans.

Forca Kochi's Super League Kerala campaign got off to a shaky start, but they managed to salvage a point in their second match against Kannur Warriors. The Kochi side had lost their opening match and could not afford another defeat.The match started with Forca Kochi looking the more dangerous side. They created several chances but failed to find the back of the net. Kannur Warriors, on the other hand, were content to sit back and defend.The deadlock was broken in the 18th minute when David Grande scored a bizarre goal for Kannur Warriors. Forca Kochi goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Choudhury's lazy goal-kick hit the back of Grande inside the box and the deflection beat him comfortably.Forca Kochi continued to attack after the goal, but they were unable to find an equalizer. The Warriors defense held firm and kept the Kochi attackers at bay.The second half saw Forca Kochi continue to press for an equalizer. They finally got their reward in the 77th minute when Basanta Singh headed home a cross from Said Nidhal.The goal gave Forca Kochi a much-needed point and moved them up to fourth place in the table. Kannur Warriors remain top of the table with four points from two games.