Football

Super League Kerala: A Resounding Success, Auguring Well for Kerala FootballThe inaugural edition of Super League Kerala has proven to be a resounding success, injecting a much-needed boost into the State's football scene. The league's well-attended matches, high-quality football, and positive reception from fans and viewers alike have set the stage for a promising future for Kerala football.Despite the already crowded football calendar, the Super League Kerala has carved out a niche for itself. The league's organizers successfully sold the concept to prospective owners, recognizing the potential for growth in a State where football has traditionally taken a backseat to other sports.The league's debut season has been marked by enthusiastic crowds, particularly in Kozhikode and Manjeri, where capacity crowds have witnessed thrilling matches. The final between Calicut FC and Forca Kochi drew a staggering 36,000 spectators to the Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode.The league has also garnered significant interest in Thiruvananthapuram, a city not typically known for its love of football. The absence of home grounds for three clubs is an issue that the organizers must address before the next season, as fans are eager to see their teams play on their home turf.The quality of football on display has been impressive, thanks to the recruitment of talented domestic and overseas players, as well as capable coaches. The league has provided a valuable platform for young Kerala footballers, offering them an additional avenue to showcase their skills and aspire to greater heights.The league's success has raised expectations for its future. To ensure its sustainability, it must strive to break even financially. If the organizers and club owners can achieve this, Kerala football and professional sport in India as a whole will reap the benefits.

The Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, witnessed a resurgence of the city's footballing passion on Sunday as Calicut FC emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of the Super League Kerala. The stadium, once a hub of footballing excellence, was brimming with 36,000 enthusiastic fans who witnessed a thrilling final between Calicut FC and Forca Kochi.The match began with a swift move down the left flank by Calicut FC's John Kennedy. The Brazilian winger charged into the box and delivered a superb pass to Thoi Singh, who slotted the ball home in the 15th minute. The goal ignited the crowd and set the tone for an exciting match.The second half saw Calicut FC extend their lead through a free-kick. Kervens Belfort, the Haitian striker, chested down the ball and slammed it into the net, giving Forca Kochi goalkeeper no chance. The goal virtually sealed the victory for Calicut FC, who had dominated the match throughout.Forca Kochi managed to pull one back in injury time through Dorielton, but it was too little too late. Calicut FC held on to their lead and emerged as the champions of the Super League Kerala.The victory was a testament to the city's enduring love for football. In the past, Kozhikode has produced legendary players like I.M. Vijayan, who was present at the stadium to witness the resurgence of football in his hometown. The final match was a reminder of the glory days of Kozhikode football and offered hope for a bright future.

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.

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.

Calicut FC, the current chart-topper in the Super League Kerala, has set its sights on bigger goals. The team, which has already secured a spot in the league's semifinals, is aiming to lift the title and eventually participate in the I-League."One of our goals is to participate in the I-League, we are preparing ourselves to get the capability to reach that level. And the next goal is naturally the ISL," said V.K. Mathews, the owner of Calicut FC.The club's ambitious plans include improving its training facilities and establishing its own training ground. "Next year, we will have our own training ground. It will be in Kozhikode but we'll look at Kochi as well. Getting a practice ground is not that difficult and we need to have a swimming pool and other facilities. And we must have an academy connected to it," said Mathews.Mathews believes that it will take a few years for SLK clubs to break even financially. "The franchise budget for a SLK club is somewhat the same level as the I-League. I don't think (SLK) clubs will break even in the first three years. The financial success of this depends on the viewership, the viewership has to go up. For that, we have to sensitise and get more and more people interested in the Super League. One of the ways of doing it is how deeply we are involved with the community, the schools, the academies...when the boys and girls from academies come, then the viewership will go up."Ian Andrew Gillan, Calicut's head coach, feels that the SLK — India's lone State league that allows foreign players — could be a good model for other States to follow. "You can probably reduce the number of foreign players but you need foreigners to raise the standard of Indian players and to make the league attractive," said Gillan.Gillan, who has worked with clubs in Australia, Indonesia, and Nepal, believes that India needs more facilities for the sport. "With your massive population, if you can embrace that by providing the facilities, give the kids a game and you'll develop better," he said.

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.

Calicut FC emerged victorious in their Super League Kerala match against Malappuram FC, securing a 2-1 victory at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. This triumph marked Calicut's first home win, propelling them to the top of the table with 13 points from seven matches.The match began with Calicut dominating possession but struggling to find the net. However, their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Thoi Singh's cross from the right found Gani Ahmmed Nigam inside the box. Nigam, under pressure from two defenders, swiftly passed the ball to Kervens Belfort, who unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner.Calicut's second goal came just nine minutes later, once again initiated by a move from the right. Muhammed Riyas and Andres Nia combined effectively, setting up Belfort for a neat header that beat goalkeeper Tenzin Samdup.Malappuram, who had won their opening match against Forca Kochi but had struggled since, managed to reduce the deficit in the 80th minute. Pedro Manzi, who had just entered the game, converted a penalty to give his team a glimmer of hope.However, Calicut held on to their lead, securing a crucial victory that boosted their title aspirations. The win also marked the first time Calicut had defeated Malappuram in the Super League Kerala.

Forca Kochi Triumphs with Dorielton's HeroicsIn a thrilling encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Forca Kochi FC secured its first victory in the Super League Kerala, thanks to the brilliance of Brazilian forward Dorielton Gomes.The first half belonged to Thiruvananthapuram Kombans, who dominated possession and created numerous chances. Abdul Badish and Ganesan exploited the flanks, sending dangerous crosses into the box. Brazilian striker Marcos Wilder capitalized on one such opportunity, heading in a corner from Davi Kuhn in the 41st minute.However, the second half witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum. Kochi coach Mario Lemos introduced K.P. Rahul, who injected pace and energy into the home side's attack. In the 59th minute, Rahul's quick run and cross found Dorielton in the box. The Brazilian outwitted two defenders and sent a low cross to Rahul, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Michel Santos.Dorielton sealed the victory for Kochi in the 75th minute. Nijo Gilbert's corner from the right found Dorielton unmarked, and the Brazilian calmly slotted the ball into the net.The result was a testament to the tactical adjustments made by Lemos and the determination of the Kochi players. Dorielton's performance was particularly impressive, as he not only scored the winning goal but also provided the assist for Rahul's equalizer.

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.