Football

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.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans, despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for much of the match, managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Kannur Warriors FC in the Chandrasekharan Nair stadium on Saturday.The match started with Warriors dominating possession and creating early chances. Praygan Sundar Gogoi's free-kick in the fifth minute was tipped over by Kombans goalkeeper Michel Santos. However, Kombans' defense held firm, despite the relentless pressure from the visitors.The turning point of the match came just before half-time when Kombans captain Patrick Mota received two yellow cards in quick succession for needless fouls. This gave Warriors a numerical advantage and they capitalized on it in the second half.In the 56th minute, Warriors' Cameroonian player Ernesten Lavsamba scored a spectacular volley from the top of the box to put his side into the lead. Kombans, now playing with 10 men, faced an uphill battle.However, the home team showed great resilience and determination. They fought back and created several chances of their own. In the 86th minute, substitute Ganesan scored a crucial equalizer for Kombans. He crashed in a rebound from a free-kick, much to the disappointment of the Warriors.The goal came against the run of play and gave Kombans a valuable point. The draw keeps them in contention for a playoff spot, while Warriors remain in the hunt for the championship.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans kicked off their home campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Thrissur Magic FC at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Monday.The Kombans, playing in front of a boisterous home crowd, capitalized on set-piece opportunities to secure all three points in a scrappy encounter. T.M. Vishnu (15') and Lalhmangaihsanga (69') were the goal-scorers for the hosts.Thrissur Magic failed to conjure any magic in the first half as Kombans dominated possession and created more chances. The hosts earned three corners in the opening quarter, and the opening goal came from the third. Captain Patrick Mota whipped in a dangerous cross, and Vishnu rushed in to head the ball past goalkeeper Sanjiban Ghosh's near post.Thrissur had its first glimpse of the Kombans goal in the 22nd minute when it was awarded a freekick on the edge of the box. Marcelo Toscano's kick rebounded off the wall, and the striker retrieved the loose ball and passed it to Vineeth, who shot wide from close range.Thrissur showed more cohesion towards the end of the first half and had a chance to equalize. Vineeth arrowed in a cross from the left, but Abhijith Sarkar failed to connect.The visitors shed their timidity in the second half and strung together a few threatening moves down the flanks, but the Kombans defense held firm.Kombans increased their lead against the run of play through another freekick. Mota whipped in the cross, Marcos Santos flicked it on to an unmarked Lalhmangaihsanga, who made no mistake.The result leaves Thiruvananthapuram Kombans with three points from their opening match, while Thrissur Magic FC remains pointless after two games.