Thrissur: Kannur Warriors FC kept their semi-final hopes alive in the Super League Kerala by defeating Thrissur Magic FC 2-0 in their last match of the season. Asiyar Gomez scored in the 42nd minute, and Abin Das added another goal in the 97th minute. With this win, Kannur Warriors moved to third place with 13 points from three wins, four draws, and three losses.
Kannur will need to wait for the results of the matches between Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut tomorrow (03-12-2025), as well as Malappuram FC versus Force Kochi the day after (04-12-2025), to see if they qualify for the semi-finals.
Kannur Warriors made two changes for the crucial match against Calicut FC, switching from a 4-3-3 formation to 4-2-3-1. Alakesh Raj replaced goalkeeper Ubaid, who had played all nine matches in the Super League. The defense included Nicolas, Vikas, Manoj, and Sandeep. In midfield, Earnestine Love Samb returned from injury, partnered with Arjun. Upfront were Muhammad Sinan, Asiyar Gomez, Kean Lewis, and captain Adrian Cerdinero.
On the other hand, Thrissur made eight changes to their team. Lakshmikant Kattimani, Alan John, Jidu K Roby, Muhammad Afsal, Uma Shankar, Shane Sajan Jacob, and Gibi Denisya were among those who came into the starting eleven.
The first opportunity for Kannur came in the 10th minute when Manoj crossed the ball into the box. Asiyar Gomez attempted a header but sent it over the post. In the 14th minute, captain Adrian was injured and replaced by Shijin. A foul by Thrissur’s defender on Shijin in the box went uncalled by the referee in the 17th minute. In the 18th minute, Manoj’s long throw found Shijin, who set up Sinan for a header, but it went wide. Shijin had another chance in the 23rd minute but was denied by the Thrissur goalkeeper Kattimani.
Kannur took the lead in the 42nd minute. Sandeep’s throw was received by Shijin, who passed it back to Muhammad Sinan. Sinan made a run down the flank and found Asiyar Gomez, who tapped it in to score, marking one of the best goals of the Super League.
Thrissur made four substitutions for the second half, bringing in Ivan, Jiad, Naveen, and Faisal Ali for Bibin Ajay, Faisal, Kevin, and Shane. In the 55th minute, Kannur had a golden opportunity when Sinan crossed into the box for Shijin, whose header narrowly missed the target. In the 59th minute, Asiyar Gomez was substituted for Asif. Sinan had a clear chance to score in the 66th minute but failed to hit the target. Thrissur made their fifth substitution, replacing Afsal with Savio. In the 97th minute, Abin Das doubled Kannur’s lead with a goal assisted by Kean Lewis, tapping it in for his score.