Thiruvananthapuram: The conclusion of the last two teams for the semi-finals of the Amul-organized Sports.com Super League in Kerala is still awaited. In the final match of the ninth round at Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram Companions FC and Malappuram FC ended in a 1-1 draw. Goals were scored by Elforsy for Malappuram and Paulo Victor for Thiruvananthapuram.
After nine rounds, Thiruvananthapuram is in third place with 12 points, while Malappuram is fourth with 11 points. Kannur is fifth with 10 points. The final round matches between Thrissur and Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut, and Malappuram and Kochi will determine the last two teams for the semi-finals. Calicut FC and Thrissur Magic FC have already secured their spots in the semi-finals.
In the twelfth minute, Malappuram’s Rishad Gafur advanced down the right wing and his shot missed the post. In the seventeenth minute, Malappuram took the lead with a long-range goal by Moroccan player Elforsy (1-0). In the twenty-eighth minute, a pass from Bader was redirected by John Kennedy, but Thiruvananthapuram goalkeeper Satyajit made the save. During the first half, home team players Rocher, Jasim, and Tufail received yellow cards. Tufail was later substituted by Asher.
In the second half, the equalizer came within four minutes. Paulo Victor, receiving a long pass from midfield, skillfully maneuvered past the defense and goalkeeper to finish with his left foot (1-1). This was the Brazilian’s third goal of the league. The earlier encounter between Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram also ended in a draw, with 6221 spectators attending the match.
On Tuesday (December 2), in the crucial tenth round, Thrissur Magic FC will face Kannur Warriors FC. For Kannur, a win is vital to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The match will take place at Thrissur Corporation Stadium, kicking off 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 viewed on the ITHISALATH channel (number 742).