Super League Kerala: Kannur Warriors and Malappuram FC settle for stalemate in Northern Derby

Kannur Warriors FC and Malappuram FC had to share the spoils in the Northern Derby of the Super League Kerala at the rainy Jawahar Municipal Stadium. The final matchday of the Round 7 fixtures took place on the 19th of November and ended in a 2-2 scoreline.

Kannur Warriors took the edge courtesy of Sinan, who headed in a chipped ball from Abdou Karim. Later, the downpour started, and Malappuram, who are accustomed to performing well in rainy conditions, scored two goals off Aitor and Hakku, providing the visiting side with a narrow one-goal lead.

However, the continued rain affected the ball movement and the player’s performance, causing the match to be suspended for almost an hour. Kannur, who had regrouped by then, came in to score an equaliser, courtesy of Nidhal, that earned them a valuable point in the Super League Kerala points table.

Sinan Opens, Hakku Equalises

Malappuram FC initiated the proceedings, setting an offensive tone for the match with the brilliance of their Brazilian striker, Kennedy. The 25-year-old initiated the attacks for the visiting sides, which were defended efficiently by the Kannur backline. Sinan, on the other side, crafted the offensive moves for the Warriors with his quick movements on the right.

In the 19th minute of the game, Lavsamba committed a foul around the centre of the pitch, which led to the player being booked by the referee. This backfired for the hosts as the following free kick almost found the back of the net and provided momentum to Malappuram. However, in the 31st minute, just after the water break, Kannur finally broke the deadlock with brilliant teamwork.

Asier provided a lofted ball over the defence to Abdou Karim, who then went on to chip the ball towards Sinan, who was at the second post. Sinan connected the ball properly and took a flying header to find the back of the net and provide Kannur with the advantage.

In the 42nd minute, Hakku helped Malappuram equalise. Badr took a corner from the left, which went straight to Hakku and somehow breached the goal, bringing the score back to level terms at the break.

Rain, Delay, Goals

Early in the second half, the downpour intensified, gradually affecting the ball movement and the players’ visibility. This, however, helped Malappuram, as they managed to get their second goal despite all odds. Abdelhay took a corner, which, after creating confusion in the box, came straight back to the player.

He then whipped in a ball to the 6-yard area, where the Malappuram captain, Aitor, seamlessly headed in the ball to provide the visitors with the advantage. Shortly after, the continued rain meant that the game was suspended for almost an hour.

After the restart, the unfavourable condition of the pitch did not help either side. In the 67th minute, the Warriors got a corner kick, which was taken low. Lavsamba, who was near the first post, flicked it cunningly into the centre towards Nidhal, who was alert enough to bring Kannur back into the game with a goal.

In the 82nd minute, Sandeep provided an exceptional ball to Abdou Karim, who came one-on-one with the keeper. To his dismay, the striker took his eyes off the ball for a moment and missed the third goal for the hosts.

Round 8 fixtures for Kannur Warriors FC and Malappuram FC in the Super League Kerala 2025

Kannur Warriors will next face the bottom of the table Forca Kochi on the 23rd of November, Sunday, at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium, while Malappuram will move to the EMS Corporation Stadium to lock horns with the table toppers, Calicut FC, on the 24th of November, in the Round 8 fixtures of the Super League Kerala 2025.

Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala 2025 matches on the Sony Sports Network and the sports.com website.

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