Kannur Warriors FC stun Thrissur Magic FC to keep their playoff hopes alive in Super League Kerala
Kannur have climbed to the third position of the Super League Kerala
Kannur Warriors emerged victorious in their do-or-die final group stage match of the Super League Kerala against Thrissur Magic FC. The Warriors defeated the second-placed Thrissur Magic FC with an unparalleled 2-0 scoreline at the Corporation Stadium to complete their unbeaten streak away from home.
In the dying minutes of the first half, after persistent attempts of the Warriors to find the back of the net, Asier Gomes broke the deadlock and scored the opener in the 43rd minute, after tapping in the assist from Sinan.
In the second half, yet again, after back-to-back failed attempts, Kannur doubled their advantage in the 97th minute of the game, courtesy of Ebindas, who scored an open net following an impressive counterattack. At full time, the game ended 2-0 in favour of Kannur Warriors FC, reigniting their playoff hopes in the Super League Kerala.
Kannur will now have to hope for either Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC or Malappuram FC to lose their final match to qualify for the semi-finals of the Super League Kerala.
Asier with the Vital Opener
Kannur kept attacking right from minute one with their speedy moves from the flank. In the 9th minute, the Warriors got the first real chance of the match as Manoj plated a golden opportunity for Asier Gomes to head in the opener, which he skied. Gomes kept the Thrissur keeper on alert by deploying some long-range shots whenever he got a shooting angle.
Kannur then kept crafting a platter of opportunities in the final third. However, luck did not favour them as they struggled to find the back of the net. Thrissur Magic FC were excellent in the defence, putting their bodies on line and making last-ditch tackles to prevent the Warriors from scoring.
Thrissur were more or less defensively oriented as they failed to put the Thrissur backline to a real test. In the 42nd minute, Kannur Warriors finally broke the deadlock after a series of failed attempts. Shijin displayed excellent ball control in the final third, in the 6-yard box and laid it to Sinan. The U23 striker then went on to deceive the Thrissur defenders, before passing it to unmarked Asier Gomes, who just had to tap in the well-worked team move.
At the stroke of half-time, it was Kannur Warriors who entered the tunnel being the happier among the two sides, with a narrow one-goal lead, which could have been two or three if they had capitalised on their opportunities.
Ebindas with the nail in the coffin
Thrissur Magic came into the second half with four changes, eyeing all three points to potentially top the table. However, the resilient Warriors added up to the work of the hosts. But, to the dismay of the Warriors, the story continued to be the same as the first half.
Despite creating a plethora of chances in the offensive third, they were unable to take that one final shot, which would further strengthen their advantage. All of their attempts were either overhit or underhit. In some instances, where they had the correct weight on the ball, the crossbar came as a villain.
As the time ticked, Thrissur became more compact defensively and blocked and cleared away all the attempts made by the Warriors. In the final minute of the game, Thrissur Magic FC got a free kick a a dangerous position, which they went all-out attack for. After a low free kick, the Warriors made an accelerated counterattack, courtesy of Arjun, who fired with the ball from the right. Arjun then went on to provide a lofted ball to Kean, who passed the ball to Ebindas, who just had to tap the ball into the open net. With this goal, the game was put to bed, with Kannur Warriors emerging as the victorious side.
The Warriors have currently climbed to the third position, taking down Malappuram FC from the top four. The qualification of Kannur FC will now depend on the matches of Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC and Malappuram FC. If either of these sides loses in their final match, Kannur will progress to the semi-finals. Elsewhere, it will be curtains down for the Kannur Warriors in the Super League Kerala.
Upcoming Matches in Round 10
In the second matchday of Round 10 of the Super League Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC will face Calicut FC at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, on the 3rd December. For the final group stage match of the league, Malappuram FC will face Forca Kochi FC at the Payyanad Stadium on the 4th of December.
Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala matches from 7:30 pm on the Sony Sports Network and Sports.com website.
What was the final score between Kannur Warriors FC and Thrissur Magic FC?
Kannur Warriors FC won the match 2-0 at the Thrissur Corporation Stadium.
Who scored the goals for Kannur Warriors FC?
Asier Gomes opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, while Ebindas sealed the win with a late strike in the 97th minute.
How does this win impact Kannur’s playoff chances?
The victory lifted Kannur to third place, but their semifinal qualification now depends on Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC or Malappuram FC dropping points.
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Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.