Kannur: After seven consecutive defeats, FC Kochi secured a remarkable victory with four goals against Kannur Warriors in the Kerala Super League’s eighth round match. The match took place at Kannur’s ground, where Kochi’s Nijo Gilbert scored twice, alongside goals from Sajeesh and Abith. Kannur’s consolation goal came from Mohammed Sinan. Kochi, having been eliminated from semifinal contention earlier, has only managed three points in eight games as of yesterday (November 23). Kannur currently stands fifth with 10 points and needs to perform well in their last two matches to qualify for the semifinals.
Kannur struck first in the fourth minute at Jawahar Stadium. Captain Adrian Serdinero crossed the ball from the left, which Mohammed Sinan converted into a goal after Kochi’s keeper Jamie Joy failed to stop it (1-0). This marks the third goal for the under-23 player in the league. In the 15th minute, Sajeesh equalized for Kochi, heading in from a corner taken by Nijo Gilbert (1-1).
Shortly after, Kochi’s Dutch player Ronald Van Kessel had to leave the field due to injury, with Shri Raj replacing him. Kannur’s Kareem Samp attempted two shots on goal that were unsuccessful. In the 34th minute, Kochi took the lead when substitute Shri Raj assisted Nijo Gilbert, allowing him to score without a challenge (1-2).
Three minutes into the second half, Kochi added another goal. Nijo Gilbert, receiving a pass from Gifty Gracious, evaded two defenders and netted the ball with a precise shot (1-3). Kannur responded by bringing in Syed Nidal for Lavasambak to intensify their offense. In the 63rd minute, Kannur earned a free kick just outside Kochi’s box, but Nicolas’ kick hit the post. Eventually, substitute under-23 player Abith scored in the 66th minute, increasing Kochi’s lead (1-4).
Earlier in the season, Kannur had defeated Kochi with only a single goal from Adrian Serdinero. Despite the rain, 9,029 spectators attended the match.
In the final match of the eighth round on Monday (November 24), Calicut FC will face Malappuram FC at EMS Stadium, Kozhikode, with kickoff at 7:30 PM.
Live:
The match will be broadcast live on Sony Ten 2, DD Malayalam, and Sports.com. In the UAE, it can be watched on the Ivisalat channel (number 742).