Forca Kochi secure a 3-0 victory to hand Calicut FC's first loss in Super League Kerala 2026

Rahul Raju scores a brace for the visitors

Forca Kochi FC delivered a masterclass in challenging conditions at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026, handing Calicut FC their first defeat of the campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory in the second game of the Round 5 fixtures of the 2026-27 Super League Kerala.

A brace from Rahul Raju and a crucial strike from Alan Saji, helped the visitors to propel to the top of the Super League Kerala table with 11 points, overthrowing Calicut FC on goal difference as the hosts slipped to second place.

Here is a detailed report on the Super League Kerala 2026 match between Calicut FC and Forca Kochi FC.

Weather Woes and a Cagey Start

The game began amidst relentless downpours in Kozhikode. In the first half, ankle-deep water in Kochi’s half severely hampered the flow of the game, neutralising Calicut’s rhythm through the midfield and making build-up play nearly impossible.

Despite the waterlogged pitch, both sides carved out early sights at goal. In the 3rd minute, Elitton Junior floated a precise free-kick into the penalty box, but Harshal Rahman’s header lacked the power to trouble the defence.

As the half progressed, Forca Kochi adapted better to the damp conditions, exploiting the flanks effectively. The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when Rahul Raju surged down the left wing and delivered a pinpoint delivery for Alan Saji, who made no mistake in slotting it past the custodian to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Calicut nearly struck back instantly. In the 39th minute, Boasso unlocked the Kochi defence to feed captain Prashanth, whose thunderous strike beat the keeper only to crash agonisingly against the post and bounce clear. Kochi went into the interval protecting a hard-earned one-goal advantage.

Red Card and Rahul Raju Brace

Seeking an immediate response after the restart, Calicut introduced fresh legs in Leo David and Jobin to sharpen their attacking spearhead. However, the game turned on its head in the 51st minute. Calicut goalkeeper Mirshad K rushed out of his penalty box and brought down a goal-bound Alan Saji, earning a straight red card and reducing the hosts to ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the ten men of Calicut valiantly pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Substitute Leo David came close in the 73rd minute, meeting a Boasso cross with a header that drifted just wide of the target.

As Calicut stretched their lines chasing the game, Kochi capitalised clinically. In the 80th minute, Diego Hernandez picked out Rahul Raju, who clinically tucked away the second goal to double Kochi’s lead (2-0).

A brief stoppage followed due to fading stadium lights. Right upon the resumption of play, Rahul Raju struck again, sealing his brace and rounding off a stellar team move to make it 3-0 and mark the nail in the coffin.

Upcoming fixtures

The final fixture of Round 5 will see Malappuram FC lock horns with Kannur Warriors FC.

The match will take place on Monday, October 26, at the Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri. The match start is slated for 7:30 PM IST.

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