Malappuram: A stunning comeback! After trailing by two goals, AFSC rallied back with four goals. In the Super League, only a draw was needed for Kerala to reach the semifinals, but defeat seemed likely at one point. Malappuram’s Kennedy scored three of the goals, with Ishaan Pandit adding the fourth. For Kochi, Abith and Romario scored the goals. The semifinals will take place on December 7 at the Thrissur Corporation Stadium, where Thrissur Magic will face MFSC.
The starting lineup for Malappuram featured all Malayali players in defense. Mohammed Jaseem was the goalkeeper, while Hakku, Irshad, Sanju, and Tony made up the defense. In midfield, Faslu, Badar, Aiter, and Rishad supported strikers Forzi and Kennedy in a 4-4-2 formation.
The match began with striker John Kennedy’s solo effort. He shot towards the goal, but it went wide. Moments later, Kochi’s Abith scored after his kick deflected off defender Irshad. Jaseem, the goalkeeper, couldn’t stop the unexpected goal. Kennedy later headed a cross from Irshad, but it hit the post. In the 26th minute, Kochi scored their second goal due to a defensive error by Malappuram. Almost immediately, Kennedy netted a goal thanks to an assist from Faslu. This was a crucial moment as Malappuram had been on the attack. Rishad was substituted due to injury in the 38th minute by Abhijit. In stoppage time of the first half, Malappuram equalized with another goal from John Kennedy.
The second half started with Kennedy’s stunning hat-trick, putting Malappuram ahead 3-2. The team maintained aggressive play, creating multiple chances in Kochi’s box. In the 57th minute, Roy Krishna replaced Kennedy, and Facundo came in for Elforc. In the 88th minute, Ishaan Pandit scored the fourth goal, completing Malappuram’s comeback at 4-2.