Football

Kerala is set to witness a historic sporting event as the Argentina football team, led by legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state for an international match in 2025. The announcement was made by Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.The match will be conducted under the complete supervision of the State government, with financial assistance provided by the merchants of Kerala. The Minister expressed confidence in the state's ability to host the prestigious occasion.The Argentina football team is one of the most successful in the world, having won the FIFA World Cup twice and the Copa América 15 times. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has been instrumental in the team's success.The match is expected to attract a large number of football enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. It will provide a unique opportunity for Kerala to showcase its sporting infrastructure and hospitality.The State government is making elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. The match will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, which has a capacity of over 60,000 spectators.The visit of the Argentina football team is a testament to Kerala's growing stature as a sporting destination. The state has hosted several major sporting events in recent years, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.The match is also expected to have a positive impact on the state's tourism industry. It will attract a large number of visitors, who will have the opportunity to experience Kerala's rich culture and natural beauty.

The inaugural Super League Kerala is set to culminate in a thrilling final between league leaders Calicut FC and Forca Kochi on Sunday night at the Corporation Stadium. The two teams have already faced off twice in the league phase, with Calicut FC winning one match (1-0) and the other ending in a draw (1-1).Calicut FC, the league's highest-scoring team with 20 goals, will be looking to maintain their impressive form. However, Forca Kochi boasts the league's top scorer, Brazilian striker Dori, who has netted five goals. Calicut FC also has two players with four goals apiece: Kervens Belfort and Gani Nigam.Calicut FC coach Ian Gillan is wary of Forca Kochi's defensive prowess. "Their defensive record speaks for itself, and we will need to be smart in breaking them down," he said. "We have worked on our offensive movements, transitions, and creating spaces to exploit, and we'll look to put that into action from the first whistle."Forca Kochi coach Mario Lemos believes the final could be a tactical battle. "Our team has worked hard to refine both our defensive organization and our attacking patterns," he said. "We will look to neutralize Calicut's attacking threats while exploiting the spaces that will open up as the match progresses. It is about finding that perfect balance between defense and attack, and we are confident we can do that against a quality side like Calicut."The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams eager to claim the inaugural Super League Kerala title. The kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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.

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.

The Mahindra Super League Kerala (MSLK), India's only domestic league allowing foreign players, kicks off on Saturday night at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The league has attracted a mix of experienced and talented young players, including former Indian Super League (ISL) champions and top scorers.Forca Kochi FC coach Mario Lemos emphasized the importance of experienced players mentoring young talents, who aspire to reach higher leagues like the ISL. The league aims to provide a platform for these young players to showcase their skills and bridge the gap to bigger opportunities.One notable signing is Alex Sanchez, last season's I-League top scorer, who turned down an ISL offer to remain with Malappuram FC in the MSLK. Malappuram, known for its football enthusiasm, has offered attractive packages to fans, including transportation and refreshments, to encourage attendance at the opening match against Forca Kochi.Despite the excitement, the league faces challenges. The Kerala Police is yet to release its players, including Santosh Trophy stars, due to pending government clearance. Additionally, some foreign players have not yet joined their teams.Despite the short pre-season, Lemos remains optimistic and sees Malappuram as a formidable opponent. The opening ceremony will feature performances by Jacqueline Fernandez, Stephen Devassy, and 'Drums' Sivamani, followed by the opening match at 8 p.m.The MSLK aims to fill the void for football fans in Kerala after the ISL season. However, it remains to be seen whether the league can overcome its initial hurdles and establish itself as a viable platform for young players and a source of entertainment for football enthusiasts.

The 77th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the quarterfinals, with Mizoram edging out Kerala 7-6 in a nail-biting sudden-death penalty shootout.The match at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Tuesday saw both teams locked in a goalless stalemate throughout regulation and extra time. The deadlock persisted even in the tie-breaker, with the teams tied 5-5 before Kerala's Sujith V.R. missed his attempt, handing Mizoram the victory.Mizoram's M.C. Malsawmzuala, Malsawmfela, F.C. Lalhmunmawia, E. Lalremtluanga, L. Tochhawng, Lalremruata, and Lalbiakthanga all converted their penalties, while Kerala's Sanju G, Arjun V, Mohamed Salim, Riswanali Edakkavil, Sarath Prasanth K, and Jithin Gopalakrishnan scored before Sujith's crucial miss.The match was characterized by end-to-end action, with both Kerala and Mizoram creating numerous chances. However, poor finishing and solid goalkeeping from both sides kept the scoreline blank.Earlier in the day, former champion Manipur showcased their attacking prowess with a resounding 7-1 victory over Assam in the third quarterfinal. Sadananda Singh led the charge for Manipur with a hat-trick, while Phijam Sanathoi Meetei, Ngangbam Pacha Singh (penalty), Maibam Deny Singh, and Imarson Meitei also found the net. Joydeep Gogoi scored the lone goal for Assam.With these results, Mizoram and Manipur have advanced to the semifinals of the Santosh Trophy, while Kerala and Assam have been eliminated.